NCW Pushes for Free Surgeries, Disability Status & Zero FIR for Acid Attack Survivors

The National Commission for Women has submitted a set of comprehensive recommendations to multiple ministries to improve care and justice for acid attack survivors. Key proposals include providing free, lifelong medical treatment and recognizing survivors under the disability act for access to benefits. The commission advocates for mandatory Zero FIR registration to ease case filing and calls for expediting the long-pending Victims of Acid Attacks Bill. Additional measures focus on a uniform national compensation framework, stricter acid sale regulation, and creating a national case tracking registry for transparency.

Key Points: NCW Recommendations for Acid Attack Survivor Rehabilitation & Justice

  • Free lifelong reconstructive surgeries
  • Disability certificates & benefits
  • Mandatory Zero FIR registration
  • Expedited Victims of Acid Attacks Bill
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NCW suggests free reconstructive surgeries, disability benefits, Zero FIR for acid attack survivors

NCW proposes free lifelong medical care, disability benefits, Zero FIR, and faster trials to strengthen support for acid attack survivors in India.

"mandatory implementation of the Golden Hour Protocol across all hospitals - NCW Recommendations"

New Delhi, April 20

A provision of free, lifelong medical treatment, including reconstructive surgeries, disability benefits and Zero FIR are among the key recommendations made by the National Commission for Women to the government to strengthen rehabilitation, care and justice for acid attack survivors, an official said on Monday.

The NCW recommendations, based on the Round Table Consultation titled 'Navjeevan: A Consultation on Care, Justice & Dignity for Acid Attack Survivors' held in January, also talk of recognising acid attack survivors under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The Commission suggested issuance of disability certificates; integration into the Unique Disability ID system; and automatic linkage with welfare schemes, reservations, and social protection benefits.

The Commission also called for expediting the Victims of Acid Attacks Bill, 2022.

For better medical treatment, the NCW suggested the mandatory implementation of the Golden Hour Protocol across all hospitals; institutionalised psycho-social support for survivors and fast-track investigation and trial with defined timelines and simplified FIR procedures.

The NCW has submitted the recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, said an official statement.

The Commission has suggested mandatory Zero FIR registration - a facility that will enable a survivor to file a case in any part of the country irrespective of the location of the acid attack.

The NCW also wants deployment of dedicated legal officers, strengthening of legal provisions, including improved evidence protocols, and expediting the Victims of Acid Attacks Bill, 2022.

Underscoring the need for compensation and financial security of the survivors, the NCW suggested establishment of a uniform national compensation framework with time-bound disbursal; Direct Benefit Transfer linked to FIR registration; enhanced compensation based on severity; provision of monthly pensions; and transparent online grievance redressal mechanisms.

For livelihood and economic empowerment, the NCW recommended promotion of skill development, digital literacy and support for entrepreneurship under government schemes for the survivors.

Besides recommending stronger regulation of acid sale through strict licencing, the NCW recommended the creation of a National Acid Attack Case Tracking Registry; integration of FIR, medical, and compensation systems; development of real-time dashboards; and periodic public reporting to ensure transparency and accountability, said the statement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, some concrete recommendations. The lifelong medical treatment and disability benefits are non-negotiable. The physical and psychological scars last a lifetime, so the support must too. Hope the ministries act on this swiftly.
A
Anjali F
While the recommendations are excellent on paper, my worry is implementation. We have great laws but poor enforcement. The tracking registry and public dashboard are good ideas for accountability. Let's see if it actually happens.
D
David E
The focus on economic empowerment through skill development is key. Providing a monthly pension and helping survivors become financially independent can truly help them rebuild their lives with dignity. A very comprehensive approach.
K
Karthik V
Strict regulation of acid sales is the most important preventive measure. How is something so dangerous still so easily available? The recommendations are good, but stopping these attacks before they happen should be the ultimate goal.
S
Sneha F
The psycho-social support is so vital and often overlooked. The trauma is not just physical. I hope hospitals are equipped and trained to provide this care with sensitivity. A good step by the NCW.

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