Centre approves Chandigarhs policy providing monthly financial aid to acid attack survivors
Instead of launching a separate scheme, the assistance may be integrated as a dedicated component under existing programs such as the Union Territory of Chandigarh Victims Assistance Scheme, 2012.
PTC News Desk: The central government has approved a Chandigarh Administration's policy fascilitating monthly financial assistance to acid attack survivors.
This information was recently presented before the Punjab and Haryana High Court during a hearing in the case. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, the Under Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs informed that the competent authority has approved the Chandigarh Administration’s financial assistance initiative titled “SAHAS — Support and Assistance for Healing Acid Survivors.” Under this scheme, each acid attack survivor in Chandigarh will receive a monthly financial aid of ₹10,000, subject to specific conditions.
Instead of launching a separate scheme, the assistance may be integrated as a dedicated component under existing programs such as the Union Territory of Chandigarh Victims Assistance Scheme, 2012, or the Pension for Persons with Disabilities, as deemed appropriate. Appropriate economic criteria will also be included to determine eligibility and continuation of benefits.
The financial assistance will be transferred exclusively through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, with safeguards such as residency verification to prevent misuse. The required budget will be met from existing financial resources of the Chandigarh Administration.
The Centre’s response was submitted during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by advocate HC Arora, who alleged that the UT administration had failed to honor its commitment — made during a PIL — to provide financial aid to acid attack victims at par with Punjab, which has been paying ₹10,000 per month since 2016.
Subsequently, the Secretary of the Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Department filed an affidavit stating that the scheme had been finalized and forwarded for approval.
According to the draft policy, applicants must submit a disability certificate confirming the injury resulted from an acid attack. Applications may be filed by survivors themselves, or by family members or legal heirs in cases of severe disability. Additional required documents include an FIR copy, Aadhaar card, proof of residence, bank account details, and an annual life certificate.
The administration stated that all applications will be processed within one month, with payments beginning from the first day of the following month. The policy also provides an appeals mechanism, allowing rejected applicants to approach the Secretary of the Social Welfare Department for redressal.