JOIN USThe Centre has modified its victim compensation fund scheme to provide a one-time grant to states and Union Territories, instead of releasing money from time to time. The Centre will distribute Rs 200 crore among the states.
According to the Central Victim Compensation Fund Scheme, announced in October last year, compensations are given to victims of acid attacks, rape, human trafficking, loss of foetus and loss of fertility in attacks, among other things.
Victims will be compensated on the grounds of injuries, loss and death due to acid attacks, rape, human trafficking, disabilities and burns. Women victims of cross-border suffering and permanent or partial disability or death will also be compensated under the scheme.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has informed the states about the changes in the scheme. Initially, states had to grant relief from its own victim compensation fund and then seek reimbursement from the Central government.
According to the allocation of the Rs 200 crore corpus, Uttar Pradesh has cornered the highest amount of Rs 28.10 crore, followed by Madhya Pradesh with Rs 21.80 crore. Maharashtra with Rs 17.65 crore, Rajasthan Rs 15.45 crore, West Bengal Rs 12.65 crore, Odisha Rs 10.60 crore and Karnataka Rs 9.95 crore have also got sizeable allocations compared to other states.
Under the scheme, the victims of acid attacks and rapes will now get Rs 3 lakh. If the victim is less than 14 years, the compensation should be increased by 50%.
While the compensation for physical abuse of a minor is Rs 2 lakh, rehabilitation of a victim of human trafficking is Rs 1 lakh. Sexual assault (excluding rape) victims can get a minimum compensation of Rs 50,000.