NCW calls for lifelong care for acid attack survivors in India

The National Commission for Women recommended lifelong medical care, stronger legal aid, disability recognition, and faster justice for acid attack survivors in India, including Zero FIR, compensation reforms, and improved rehabilitation under the pending Victims of Acid Attacks Bill, 2022

New Delhi: A provision of free, lifelong medical treatment, including reconstructive surgeries, disability benefits and Zero FIR are among the key recommendations made by the National Commission for Women (NCW) to the government to strengthen rehabilitation, care and justice for acid attack survivors, an official said on Monday.

The NCW recommendations, based on the Round Table Consultation titled ‘Navjeevan: A Consultation on Care, Justice & Dignity for Acid Attack Survivors’ held in January, also talk of recognising acid attack survivors under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

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The Commission suggested issuance of disability certificates; integration into the Unique Disability ID system; and automatic linkage with welfare schemes, reservations, and social protection benefits.

The Commission also called for expediting the Victims of Acid Attacks Bill, 2022.

For better medical treatment, the NCW suggested the mandatory implementation of the Golden Hour Protocol across all hospitals; institutionalised psycho-social support for survivors and fast-track investigation and trial with defined timelines and simplified FIR procedures.

The NCW has submitted the recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, said an official statement.

The Commission has suggested mandatory Zero FIR registration – a facility that will enable a survivor to file a case in any part of the country irrespective of the location of the acid attack.

The NCW also wants deployment of dedicated legal officers, strengthening of legal provisions, including improved evidence protocols, and expediting the Victims of Acid Attacks Bill, 2022.

Underscoring the need for compensation and financial security of the survivors, the NCW suggested establishment of a uniform national compensation framework with time-bound disbursal; Direct Benefit Transfer linked to FIR registration; enhanced compensation based on severity; provision of monthly pensions; and transparent online grievance redressal mechanisms.

For livelihood and economic empowerment, the NCW recommended promotion of skill development, digital literacy and support for entrepreneurship under government schemes for the survivors.

Besides recommending stronger regulation of acid sale through strict licencing, the NCW recommended the creation of a National Acid Attack Case Tracking Registry; integration of FIR, medical, and compensation systems; development of real-time dashboards; and periodic public reporting to ensure transparency and accountability, said the statement.