Victim Compensation in Kerala: A Glimpse

About the Author

Ann V Varghese is a member of centre for women and children, LJRF Voice.

Aswasanidhi Scheme

Introduction

The objective of the scheme incorporated in state budget 2018-2019 included creation of a corpus fund Rs.300 Lakh by Government and maintained by the Department of Women & Child Development for release to victims of sex crimes, domestic violence, acid attacks & heinous gender based violence. This amount will be released irrespective of the Victim Compensation Fund or any other compensation given under legal provisions. A detailed preliminary assessment report along with copy of FIR/DIR and the recommendation of the quantum of relief shall be submitted by DCPO/WPO within 48 hours of the crime to the Director of Women & Child and State co-ordinator, Nirbhaya Cell. The recommended quantum of interim relief shall be dispersed within 5 days of receipt directly to the beneficiary account in the case of adult victim and to the join bank account of minor and guardian in the case child survivors.

Process

1.Occurance of grievous crime

2.Cognizance taken by DCPO/WPO and recorded in register. Incase of cognizance taken suo moto, DCPO/ WPO will report matter to police station and ensure FIR is filed.

3.The DCPO/ WPO (along with lady counsellors, women police officers/ programme officers of Nirbhaya cell) shall visit the victim/ family of victim within 24hrs of reporting the crime.

4.Detailed preliminary report along with FIR and recommended quantum of relief submitted within 48 hrs of crime

5.The quatum of relief is releases within 5 days of reciept directly to beneficiary account.

Note: On site assessment will include socio-economic assessment of the victim’s family, extent of physical injuries sustained by victim, need for hospitalization, damage to life & livelihood of the person due to the crime, threat etc. 5. In case the victim is a minor, the amount will be released to the parents/ guardians/fit person decided by the CWC of the victim.

Recommendations

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

For Grievance Redressal may contact:

State Coordinator

Nirbhaya Cell, House No. 40, Chempaka Nagar, Bakery Jn, Trivandrum, Phone: 0471- 2331059 (Dr Kavitha Manoj)

Director

Women and Child Development Department Poojappura, Trivandrum, Phone: 0471-2346538 (Presently: Priyanka G IAS)

Documents Required

1. A brief report from Women Protection officer /District Child Protection Officer of the district concerned.

2. FIR/DIR

3. Bank Pass Book Copy

4. Aadhar Copy

5. Medical Report

6. Legal Report

7. Police Report

Position and Implementation of Scheme

The Aswasanidhi assistance is intended as an emergency financial help and is separate from the government’s victim compensation scheme. The revenue budget allocations and estimates towards victim compensation from receipts are as follows: