Punjab government clears pension of four acid attack victims

LUDHIANA: "Fulfilling" its commitment for issuing monthly pension to the acid attack victims, the Punjab government on Monday cleared pensions of the four victims belonging to district Ludhiana.
The pension amount of four victims has been received by the social security department of the district and the same will be handed over to the victims shortly.
Last year, Punjab government had issued a notification regarding a new scheme that will provide Rs 8000 monthly financial aid to acid attack victims in the state.The scheme is known as ‘The Punjab Financial Assistance to Acid victims Scheme 2017’.
Divulging more details here, a spokesperson said that the main aim of the scheme was to provide financial help to acid attack victims so that they can lead their lives respectfully after the acid attack incident.
He further said that deputy commissioners have been directed to form district-level committees to settle related cases. Committees are being headed by deputy commissioners and other members will include civil surgeon, district social security officer, district program officer (woman and child development). Besides this, the committee will include two experts on criminal law (of which at least one should be a woman).
He disclosed that the committee has got five cases, out of which pension amount of four victims from December 2017 to March 2018, has been received and the same will be handed over to the victims shortly. He said that the remaining case will also get the benefit of pension soon.
He added that the acid attack victim should be a resident of Punjab. To avail financial help under this scheme, the victim will have to apply herself. If she has been rendered handicapped due to the acid attack and cannot file the application herself, her guardian or kin or relatives can file an application with respective district social security officer.
He told that with the application, there should also be a medical certificate mentioning that victim has been rendered handicapped due to acid attack. The applicant will also have to attach a copy of FIR or complaint lodged about the incidence.
Besides this, the applicant should attach attested copies of either of the documents from the voter list: voter card, Aadhaar card, passport, driving license and resident certificate. Details of the applicant’s bank account should also be attached with application.