By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In a significant move, the State Government on Tuesday approved the Meghalaya Victim Compensation Scheme for rape and human trafficking victims.
The State Cabinet, which met here on Tuesday, has approved the compensation scheme as per requirements of Section 357 A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC).
“With this scheme we would ensure that rape victims are provided adequate compensation,” Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma told news persons after the Cabinet meeting.
Under the compensation scheme, a rape victim would be provided compensation of Rs 50,000 while those victims who suffer injuries besides mental agony would be provided Rs 25,000 as compensation.
“This scheme also implies to those victims where the offender is not identified or traced,” Dr Sangma informed, while adding that the victims should petition a district legal service authority and a complaint with the officer-in-charge of the police station to avail of the scheme.
The Chief Minister also stated that the State legal service authority may order for the first aid and medical facility to the victim after verifying it from a police official not below the rank of Officer In charge or Magistrate of the area.