Chandigarh: The Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development is committed to the welfare of destitute and needy women. The Punjab Government provides 100% financial assistance to women suffering from acid attacks. Acid Victims scheme aims to provide monthly financial assistance to women who have become disabled due to acid attacks.
Revealing this information, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, stated that acid attacks are a heinous form of violence against women, deliberately perpetrated by the attacker. This causes permanent or partial damage to the victim's body or any body part. Apart from the mental and physical pain, acid attacks often lead to various infections and even blindness. Additionally, these attacks also have significant social and economic repercussions on the lives of women.
The minister further stated that under the fully state-funded financial assistance scheme for women suffering from acid attacks, implemented by the Punjab Government, women residing in Punjab with 40% or more disability (according to the disability benchmark) receive Rs. 8,000 per month to support their dependents. The aim is to rehabilitate these women and help them become self-sufficient. The victim must have registered a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) or a complaint.
She mentioned that currently, 22 women affected by acid attacks are benefiting from this scheme in districts including Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Ropar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Moga, Jalandhar, and Amritsar.
The cabinet minister explained the scheme being implemented for acid attack victims. She highlighted the case of Ramandeep Kaur from Amritsar district, who is receiving a financial benefit of Rs. 8,000 per month to pursue her dreams.
Dr. Baljit Kaur mentioned that Mahinder Kaur from Bathinda district is undergoing treatment at DMC Ludhiana, while Amanpreet Kaur is receiving treatment at Fortis Hospital Mohali, both with the help of financial assistance provided under this scheme. Mrs. Ramandeep Kaur from Ludhiana district is utilizing the financial assistance from the Punjab government to cover the school fees and daily needs of her two daughters and one son, ensuring a stable livelihood.