By Our Reporter
Shillong: The State Government on Thursday notified the Meghalaya Victim Compensation Scheme 2011 for providing funds for the purpose of compensation to victims or their dependants who have suffered any loss or injury as a result of crime and who require rehabilitation.
The Cabinet had approved the scheme in February this year to provide a helping hand for victims of rape and human trafficking.
Under the scheme, Rs 50,000 is the maximum limit of compensation for rape victims and Rs 25,000 for loss or injury causing severe mental agony to women and child victims of human trafficking, kidnapping etc. The scheme also applies to those victims where the offender is not identified or traced. In such cases, the victims should petition a district legal service authority and file a complaint with the officer-in-charge of the police station to avail of the scheme. Complaints have to be filed before the District Legal Services Authority within 90 days from the date of occurrence of the crime.
The State Government has approved the compensation scheme under Section 357 A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
“With this scheme we would ensure that rape victims are provided adequate compensation,” Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said.
The fund will be operated by the member secretary of the Meghalaya State Legal Service Authority.