A roof above their heads for acid attack victims

Into the dark and vulnerable world of acid attack victims comes a ray of sunshine... a roof above their heads. In a move that will provide shelter and a modicum of relief to such hapless victims, the Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSCW) has directed all zilla panchayats to provide free houses or residential sites to the victims. In addition, the victims are eligible to draw disability pension, get cash compensation and medical treatment expenses.

Around six months ago, members of non-governmental organisations fighting for welfare measures for such victims, had submitted a memorandum to the Department of Women and Child Development. Having received no response from the department, the NGOs sent copies of the memorandum to the KSCW a few weeks ago, which resulted in the move.

The State has seen 144 acid attack victims since 2003-04. A large number have lost (some partially) their sight and are badly scarred. A majority of the victims are poor, with medical bills mounting over the years.

Manjula Manasa, chairperson of KSCW, has also directed the Chief Executive Officers to identify such victims in their respective districts and help them in getting the benefits of government-sponsored schemes.

Other welfare measures
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Ms. Manasa underlined to

The Hindu, the urgency of providing free houses or sites to the victims. The victims are also eligible to get welfare pension meant for people with disabilities, cash compensation of Rs. 3 lakh, and compensation for treatment up to Rs. 20 lakh, she said.

According to sources at the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Bengaluru, identifying acid attack victims and houses/lands for them are under way in several ZPs.

A roof above their heads for acid attack victims

Woman’s panel has directed all ZPs to provide free house, sites to them.