Proposal to give financial aid to rape victims in Maharashtra

A proposal to provide financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh for rehabilitation of victims of rape and acid attacks is likely to come up for discussion tomorrow before the Maharashtra Cabinet.
"Women and Child Development department would table the proposal for providing financial aid to the victims of acid attack and rape.
"Around Rs 3 lakh would be given as assistance to such victims for their treatment, legal aid, counselling and rehabilitation purposes," state Women and Child Development Minister Varsha Gaikwad told reporters today.
The proposal was mooted by the women and child welfare department in the wake of the gangrape of a 23-year-old photojournalist here last month.

Gaikwad was addressing media after attending a programme organised on safety of women in the metropolis here.
She also urged women who are victims of rape to come forward and file complaint.
"Women should come forward and register an FIR so that they can get justice. The Home department has instructed police that if a victim wants to file FIR through phone, they will have to register it," she said.
Gaikwad said that police could initiate suitable action against culprits if the victim approaches them.