Three beneficiaries of state scheme from EKH
SHILLONG: There are only 26 beneficiaries till date who have received monetary support under the Meghalaya Victim Compensation Scheme, 2014, despite numerous cases, mostly rapes of women and children, reported across the State.
A source from the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) informed The Shillong Times that the total amount of money disbursed comes to Rs 11,31,000 (approximately).
Claimants who were compensated include seven from West Jaintia Hills, six from Ri Bhoi, five from South West Garo Hills, three each from North Garo Hills and East Khasi Hills and one each from East Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills.
Replying to a query about the less number of beneficiaries, a source in MSLSA expressed concern that despite wide publicity, people are reluctant to take advantage of the scheme.
In various legal awareness programmes organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), the scheme has also been focused. “It depends on applicants (whether to opt for the benefits) in spite of wide publicity, distribution of pamphlets being done,” the source said.
The official, however, felt that more has to be done to make people aware of the scheme. “In this regard, the Legal Services Authority (state and district) proposes to conduct more legal awareness programmes,” the official said.
MSLSA sources said claimants can approach the court or DLSA to seek compensation due to loss or injury or rehabilitation as a result of a crime or offence.
When asked about cases prior to 2014, the official informed that those victims are compensated under the old scheme of 2011.
The recommended award for the victim or the dependant is approved by MSLSA and an account pay cheque is disbursed to the victim or the dependants. The process takes about two months.
The victims are given the provision to rehabilitate, counselling and support system.
Compensation amount
The amount of compensation for loss of life is Rs 3 lakh for persons below 40 years, Rs 2 lakh for persons up to 60 years and Rs1 lakh for persons above 60 years. For loss of limb or a part of the body above 40 per cent, compensation limit is Rs 2 lakh for persons below 40 years, Rs 1 lakh for persons up to 60 years and Rs 50,000 for persons above 60 years.
For loss of any limb or part of body below 40 per cent, Rs 1 lakh is given as compensation to persons below 40 years, Rs 50,000 to persons up to 60 years and Rs 25,000 to persons above 60 years; Rs 3 lakh is given as compensation to victims of rape and acid attack and Rs 50,000 is given for loss causing severe mental agony to women and child victims in cases like human trafficking, kidnapping and molestation, among others.
In addition, Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 are also given as funeral expenses and medical expenses, respectively.
264 Lok Adalats till 2015
On legal awareness in the State, especially in the rural areas, the MSLSA source said, “Legal awareness is conducted by DLSA and people’s response has increased so far.”
When asked about the number of Lok Adalats held in the State, the MSLSA source said over 264 Lok Adalats were held till 2015.
“Pamphlets are being distributed. Legal awareness programmes are held from time to time across the State to ensure justice to all and for people to be aware of their rights,” the source said.
Awareness campaigns also encourage people to approach the District Legal Services and to seek its help in cases involving legal matters.
Legal awareness in rural areas has improved thanks to the presence of para-legal volunteers who function at the village level.
Para-legal volunteers are usually educated people (school teachers or some educated villager) residing at the villages that are trained in providing legal assistance to people.
“Para-legal volunteers have been of great help in rural areas as they take steps to ensure that people are not deprived of their basic rights,” the source said.
The para-legal volunteers usually sit at the Legal Care and Support Counter or Legal Aid Clinic.
“The assistance of the para-legal volunteer is sought by families of victims in cases where they need to file an FIR or to approach the court,” the official said.
“There are over 400 para-legal volunteers across the state,” the source said.