DEPARTMENT of Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra has provided financial assistance of Rs 1.65 crore to victims of sexual offences and acid attack in Nagpur district under Manodhairya Scheme. The financial assistance were provided in 240 cases during 2018-2021 in the district. Total 137 cases under Manodhairya Scheme were decided and total Rs 1.01 crore financial assistance provided to vict i m s b e t w e e n December 2020 and March 2021.

 

Based on the directive from the Central Government to provide financial compensation and rehabilitation for victims of Rape, Child Sexual Assault and Acid Attack, the Manodhairya Scheme has been started in the State. Under this scheme, rape victims comes under Section 375 and 376, 376(2), 376(B), 376(D) and 376(E) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC); Sexual abuse of children comes under Section 3, 4, 5, 6 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2013; Acid attack comes under Section 326 A and 326 B of IPC; and Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (PITA) for victims below 18 years will get financial assistance.

 

 

■ As soon as an incident of rape is reported and registered, the PSO/SHO of the concerned police station, through the SP/ DCP, shall forward as provided in the scheme the copy of the FIR/complaint, medical report and the preliminary investigation report of the IO to the Secretary of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

 

■ A victim, or his/her legal heir or any person/voluntary NGO espousing the cause of women Commissions may also apply to the DLSA for financial relief and rehabilitation in accordance with the provisions of this scheme within 60 days.

 

■ Where the applicant is a child, the application may be made on his/her behalf by a parent, guardian, NGO or commissions. Similarly, a mentally ill person within the meaning of the Mental Health Act or a mentally retarded person, the application may be made by the person with whom the applicant normally resides or a duly authorised medical officer or a NGO.