The Delhi government plans to increase the compensation for acid attack and rape survivors from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 7.5 lakh. The Delhi Victims Compensation Scheme 2015, prepared by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority has been pending with the Home Department for many months.
Earlier, as per the scheme, victim’s kin get Rs. 3-5 lakh for loss of life, but the new scheme has proposed Rs. 5-10 lakh. The scheme also proposes same amount of compensation for those with loss of any limb resulting in 80 per cent permanent disability. “We have seen that victims with 80 per cent and more disability suffer more. Their compensation, in fact, should be the maximum as they lose their livelihood and their medical expenses increase,” said a government official.
The government also plans to come up with a scheme to ensure employment to the disabled survivors. “Employment for most of the survivors is difficult.”
The decision came after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had met the acid attack survivors in March. Employment and medical aid were the two major problems. “Even some of the Delhi High Court blasts victims, who are now disabled, are facing problems in finding jobs.”
Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal has written to Delhi Home Minister Satyender Jain, asking for the draft of the Delhi Victims Compensation Scheme. “For the victims belonging to economically weaker sections, the proposed amount would provide considerable help in their rehabilitation,” said Ms. Maliwal.
The DCW chief has asked for a copy of the draft, which still awaits final approval, so that the commission can send in their inputs. “We want rehabilitation of sex workers also part of the scheme. Sex workers will give up their work only when there is a strong rehabilitation policy along with employment.”
Earlier, victim’s kin get Rs. 3-5 lakh for loss of life, but new scheme has proposed Rs. 5-10 lakh
