Scheme launched to provide financial aid to rape victims
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 08 2012: Taking serious note over increasing crime against women in the state, the Manipur government has introduced a new scheme to provide financial assistance to rape victims.

The scheme entitled 'Financial Assistance and Support Services to Victims of Rape' launched by Social Welfare Minister Ak Mirabai in her office chamber today.

With that Manipur has become the first state in whole North East India to have such a scheme.

Along with launch of the scheme, the Minister provided a financial assistance of Rs 70,000 each to four rape victims.

Out of the four victims, three are from Imphal East district and the other is from Bishnupur district.

Two of them are physically handicapped persons.

All the four victims are in the age group of 4 - 13 years.

Minister AK Mirabai (middle) at the launch of 'Financial Assistance and Support Services to Victims of Rape'

Speaking at the occasion, Minister AK Mirabai informed that launch of the scheme was deferred for one year due to some unavoidable circumstances.

The Government of India would be providing the fund for the implementation of this scheme.

A total amount of Rs 16 lakhs will be sanctioned soon.

The amount provided to the four victims are from the state fund which will be adjusted when the funds from the Centre is received.

Beneficiaries will be selected by a District Criminal Injuries Relief and Rehabilitation Board which will be headed by respective DCs of the districts.

The recommendations submitted by the district board will be screened by the State Criminal Injuries Relief and Rehabilitation Board before final selection of the eligible beneficiaries.

Women victims of any age groups can avail the benefit of the scheme.

However, to get the benefits, victims should first of all filed FIR cases and apply for the scheme within 60 days of the incident.

Commissioner, Social Welfare will be the Chairperson of the State Board and DG (Home), Health Director, Director of State Legal Services Authority, Director of Law Department and women social workers will be the members of the Board, the Minister explained.