SRINAGAR: The Government said it has taken significant steps to improve the rehabilitation and support of acid attack victims, providing timely compensation, medical care, reconstructive surgeries, and legal aid. In response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Shrimati Savitri Thakur, outlined various measures aimed at addressing the needs of these victims and curbing acid violence.
Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, acid attack victims are entitled to compensation through the Victim Compensation Scheme, which is in addition to the fines paid to the perpetrators. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued guidelines to expedite actions in acid attack cases and ensure timely treatment and compensation for victims. This includes the revised compensation scheme formulated by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) following a Supreme Court order in 2018, which enhanced compensation for victims of acid attacks. The scheme also provides victims with access to medical care, rehabilitative services, and legal aid.
Besides, NALSA’s Legal Services to Victims of Acid Attacks Scheme, 2016, has been instrumental in offering legal assistance and ensuring that victims receive the necessary medical attention and rehabilitation services. As part of the Government’s efforts to prevent acid violence, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued advisories in 2013 and 2021 to regulate the sale of acid, urging states and Union Territories to strictly enforce these rules and prevent the retail sale of acid without proper checks.
The Government has also prioritised vocational training and employment opportunities for acid attack victims, aiming to empower them and help them reintegrate into society. This is part of the broader initiatives under the “Mission Shakti” programme, which focuses on the safety, security, and empowerment of women. As part of this initiative, victims of acid attacks can benefit from integrated services such as medical aid, psycho-social counselling, legal assistance, and temporary shelter through the One Stop Centers (OSCs) established across the country. Additionally, the Government has universalized the 24×7 Women Helpline (181), which connects women in distress to appropriate authorities, providing both emergency and non-emergency assistance.
As of October 31, 2024, over 81 million women have been assisted through these initiatives, and the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), a pan-India system, is also available for emergencies. The Government has also set up over 14,600 Women Help Desks in police stations across the country, ensuring that women can access support at any time.
In addition to these measures, the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has conducted training programs for police officers to enhance their skills in investigating and prosecuting crimes against women, including acid attacks. A special focus has been placed on improving police sensitivity and gender sensitization through initiatives like webinars and workshops.
Recognising the psychological toll of acid attacks, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has partnered with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) to provide specialized training to staff at One Stop Centers, ensuring that victims receive the psychological support they need.
