The Hindu : National : “Approve of rehabilitation scheme for rape victims”

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“Approve of rehabilitation scheme for rape victims”

Aarti Dhar

NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has asked for early implementation of the scheme for relief and rehabilitation of rape victims.

In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday, Chairperson Girija Vyas said the scheme, mooted by the NCW and endorsed by the Supreme Court, should be approved in the current session of Parliament, more so in the wake of the series of rapes reported from across the country in the past six months.

The scheme, which the court had directed the NCW to evolve, envisages a monetary compensation of up to Rs. 2 lakh that will be announced by a board to be constituted when a complaint is filed. The scheme was sent to the Centre last year.

“In our recommendations on amending rape-related laws, we have suggested more stringent punishment for rape of minors, gang rape, sexual assault in custody and even rape by employer, as has been alleged in the actor Shiney Ahuja case,” Ms. Vyas said. Such cases would also come under the purview of harassment at workplace.

Expressing concern over the increase in sexual assaults in the past six months, Ms. Vyas said at least 286 cases had come to light.

There must have been numerous others in rural areas and slums that went unreported.

The NCW reiterated its demands that statements of the victim be recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code as expeditiously as possible, that medical examination be conducted at the earliest, and that the cases be tried in a fast track court.

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