Fund paucity hit 'Manodhairya' scheme beneficiaries: CAG

Implementation of 'Manodhairya' scheme for rehabilitation of victims of rape, sexual violence and acid attacks, suffered in 2013-14 as financial assistance could not be disbursed to the victims due to paucity of funds, according to a report of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
During 2013-14, Maharashtra Women and Child Welfare Ministry made a provision of Rs 5.10 crore for the scheme.
Also, between October 2013 and March 2014, at least 876 FIRs were lodged in connection with such cases. But Principal Secretary Women and Child Welfare in the state accepted that there were delays in disbursement of financial aid to victims under the scheme due to lack of funds.

The district level committee headed by Collector approved 410 cases (including 260 cases of minor girls) of which payment of Rs 5.04 crore was made in 296 cases while in remaining 114 cases payment could not be made due to paucity of funds.
Despite the fact that acid attack on women and girl child was heinous in nature, the audit observed that such cases are not separately categorised and indicated in the "Crime in Maharashtra" annual report prepared by crime investigation department for 2010 to 2013.
The 'Manodhairya' scheme was launched in October 2013 under which victims of rape were to be provided financial help of Rs two lakh (Rs 3 lakh in special cases) while Rs 50,000 was envisaged for acid attack victims.

A five-member committee headed by the District Collector was to approve the financial assistance granted. The committee was to hold its meetings within seven days of lodging of FIR by the victim for approval of cases whereas financial assistance to the victims was to be paid by the Ministry within 15 days of its approval.

While in "Sukanya Scheme" where every girl child born on or after January 2014 to a BPL family with maximum two children, was eligible to receive Rs one lakh on attaining 18 years of age provided she had passed 10th standard and was unmarried.
The CAG observed that under this scheme, Women and Child Welfare department had deposited Rs 4.5 crore with LIC.

Audit observed that 3,091 beneficiary girls were identified as of July 2014 and the list was forwarded to LIC.