Maha Govt positive on enhancing compensation of rape victims

The Maharashtra government is positive about raising the compensation amount for the victims of rape, sexual harassment and acid attacks from the current Rs 3 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
Minister for Women and Child Development Pankaja Munde was replying to a debate today on a Calling Attention Notice moved by Husnabano Khalife (Congress) and others.
Munde said the government while abiding by the ruling of the Bombay High Court shall enlarge the scope of the Manodhairya scheme and make it more comprehensive.
"My department will move a proposal to this effect for approval before the state cabinet," she said.

"In order to give support to the victims the government shall impart skill based training and rehabilitate them. For want of funds, assistance to victims shall not be stopped," she added.
Replying to further queries, Munde said that it will be difficult for the government to give compensation to cases prior to 2013, when the scheme was started.

Raising a supplementary query on her motion, Khalife termed the provisions of the scheme insulting to the victims and the scheme as demeaning.
She argued that even neighbouring state like Goa gave Rs 10 lakh compensation to the victims.
Replying to the debate, Munde said that the government shall consult officials of concerned departments, appoint a committee of women legislators from both the houses of the legislature seeking their inputs on enlarging the scope of the Manodhairya scheme and increasing the compensation to victims at par with other states.