Govt. will consider raising pension for acid attack survivors to ₹50,000: Home Minister

Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Tuesday told the Legislative Council that the State government would consider increasing the monthly pension for acid attack survivors to ₹50,000 from the existing ₹10,000 and take additional measures to support their rehabilitation.

Responding to a discussion initiated by nominated Congress member K. Shivakumar on the plight of acid attack victims, Mr. Parameshwara said the government was conscious of the difficulties faced by survivors and that he would place the matter before the Chief Minister. “I will prevail upon the Chief Minister to increase the pension to ₹50,000,” he said.

169 survivors

At present, acid attack survivors are getting a monthly pension of ₹10,000. Of the 169 survivors identified in the State, 59 have been receiving the pension, while the remaining cases are under process, he said.

Mr. Parameshwara said the government has been extending various forms of support to acid attack victims and would take steps to simplify procedures to ensure that survivors are able to access benefits more easily.

On the demand for housing for the victims, the Minister said the Karnataka Slum Development Board and Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation have already recommended allotment of houses to them.

The Minister said the government would examine ways to regulate the sale of acid more effectively.

Low conviction rate

Addressing concerns raised in the House regarding the low conviction rate in such cases, Mr. Parameshwara said the issue would be examined and measures would be discussed with the departments concerned to improve the rate of conviction.

On employment support, he said ₹2 crore has already been set aside for rehabilitation measures for acid attack survivors. While interest-free loans are currently available, the government would examine the possibility of providing grants instead.

Mr. Parameshwara said One Stop Centres have been established to assist victims, and police have been instructed to ensure free and fair registration of FIRs.

Earlier, Mr. Shivakumar said there are 169 acid attack survivors in the State and urged the government to provide housing, employment opportunities, and free medical treatment, including plastic surgery, to help them rebuild their lives. He said the survivors are asked to submit the FIR copy and other identity cards to avail benefits. However, the police stations where the FIRs had been filed have destroyed the old FIRs.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar suggested that fast-track courts be considered for handling such cases. Labour Minister Santosh Lad said his department would consider helping the survivors through the State Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board.