By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In the absence of proper awareness programmes by the State Government, majority of the rape victims are yet to avail the monetary compensation under the Meghalaya Victim Compensation Scheme, 2011.
After the scheme was officially notified on March 20, 2012, the Government received only one application to settle the case of compensation sought by the Williamnagar gang-rape victim.
A Law department official on Tuesday said that as per the scheme, while the rape victims can avail upto Rs 50,000, an amount of Rs 25,000 has been fixed for the injury which causes severe mental agony to women and child victims in cases such as human trafficking and kidnapping among others.
“We will find out the reason why the victims are not availing the scheme which should have been helpful to them in time of financial stress,” the official added.
The scheme does not specifically mention that compensation of Rs 50,000 is limited only to rape cases as it is also related to any other forms of physical and mental agony which is serious in nature being faced by the women and children.
As per the scheme, the State Government will allot a separate budget every year to be paid to the victims and the fund will be operated by the member secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority.
“The victim shall be eligible for the grant of compensation even if the offender is not traced or identified, but the victim is identified, and where no trial takes place,” the scheme says.
According to the scheme, whenever a recommendation is made by the Court on an application made by any victim or the dependent to the District Legal Service Authority, the Authority will examine the case and verify the contents of the claim. The Authority will award compensation within two months.
The scheme also provides powers to the District Legal Service Authority to order for immediate first aid facility, medical benefit or interim relief to be made available free of cost based on the certificate of the police officer not below the rank of the officer in charge of the police station or magistrate of the area concerned.