Maharashtra to give financial aid to rape, acid attack survivors

Starting next month, the state government will provide all rape, child abuse and acid attack survivors with financial, medical and legal help, along with counselling and rehabilitation.

Starting next month, the state government will provide all rape, child abuse and acid attack survivors with financial, medical and legal help, along with counselling and rehabilitation.

Financial assistance ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh will be given, with separate funds of up to Rs 50,000 for injuries and incidental costs such as travel.

This help will be provided through the Manodhairya scheme, which was approved in the state Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The long-pending decision was taken after pressure mounted on the government following two incidents - the gangrape of a photojournalist at the Shakti Mill compound last month, and the acid attack on Preeti Rathi earlier in May.

"Survivors of rape and sexual abuse will get Rs 2 lakh upfront and Rs 3 lakh in special cases. Acid attack survivors whose faces have been disfigured or have a permanent disability will get Rs 3 lakh above and beyond the Rs 50,000 for injuries," said chief minister Prithviraj Chavan.

The scheme will ensure rehabilitation of the woman and the family by providing them with shelter, counselling, medical help, legal advice, education and career guidance, and skills training, among other things.

According to a senior government official, the money will be given once an FIR has been filed. It will be disbursed through the district collector's office, where a separate support and rehabilitation unit will be formed.