By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Social Welfare Minister JA Lyngdoh has informed that the Union Government has formulated a new scheme known as the “Financial Assistance and Support Services to Victims of Rape’.
Replying to a question raised by Leader of Opposition Conrad K Sangma during the Question Hour in the Assembly on Thursday, Lyngdoh said that the rape victim within a period of one month after the criminal trial can come forward to avail this scheme.
“So far none of the rape victims has come forward to avail this scheme,” Social Welfare Minister said.
Surprised that no one has come forward to avail this scheme; Leader of Opposition said that what are the criteria to avail this scheme.
In his reply, Lyngdoh said that the victim who is subject to harassment and rape should come forward and speak out.
At the reply of the Minister, NCP legislator, James K Sangma said that the government should be more proactive by voluntarily giving them compensation since such victims are traumatised by such crimes and there is a stigma attached on victims of rape.
To come closer to such victims, Lyngdoh said that the government was conducting sensitisation and awareness programme along with the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW).
The Minister also said that the government gives a compensation of Rs 3 lakhs to victims of rape out of which Rs 1.5 lakh is for counselling and shelter of the victims and Rs 50, 000 for legal aid.
The Social Welfare Minister also said that in case of the death of the victim due to the crimes, Rs 1 lakh is given in case the victim is a non-earning member and Rs 2 lakh in case of an earning member.
