Victim compensation scheme hit by delays, state-wise payout gaps: Study | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: India’s victim compensation framework was designed to provide financial relief and rehabilitation to survivors of crime. But nearly two decades after its introduction, the scheme is struggling with mounting backlogs, wide disparities in compensation across states, and procedural hurdles that often delay assistance to those who need it most, a recent study has found.The study, “The Implementation of Victim Compensation Scheme in India: A Critical View,” highlights stark variations in compensation awarded to victims across the country.The compensation scheme is intended for victims and their dependants who have suffered loss or injury because of a crime and require rehabilitation.Under the Telangana Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault and Other Crimes, 2018, which came into effect on Oct 2, 2018, compensation of up to Rs 10 lakh can be awarded in cases involving severe mental agony to women and children, including human trafficking, rape, acid attacks, kidnapping and molestation.However, compensation levels differ sharply across states. According to the study, Bihar, Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide a minimum of Rs 3 lakh to victims of rape and acid attacks. Uttar Pradesh caps compensation at Rs 2 lakh for rape and Rs 3 lakh for acid attacks, while Arunachal Pradesh provides a maximum of Rs 50,000 for rape and Rs 1 lakh for acid attacks.The Victim Compensation Scheme was introduced through a 2008 amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure under Section 357A and now falls under Section 396 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. All 28 states and eight Union Territories have framed their own compensation schemes.Data from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), analysed by the researchers, shows that applications under the scheme rose from 16,354 in 2018-19 to 41,146 in 2023-24. The number of applications finalised also increased, from 10,753 to 38,103 during the period. However, pendency has grown alarmingly. Pending applications increased from 9,589 in 2018-19 to 33,257 in 2023-24, nearly doubling from 17,085 in 2022-23.The authors suggest the rise in applications reflects growing awareness among victims about available state support. At the same time, they attribute persistent shortcomings to complex and non-uniform procedures, varying compensation amounts and timelines across states, and bureaucratic delays that slow the delivery of relief.The study also points out that compensation often provides only partial rehabilitation. For instance, acid attack survivors frequently require multiple reconstructive surgeries and long-term medical care; costs that can far exceed the amount awarded.Researchers highlighted the provision of interim compensation, under which victims or their dependants can receive immediate assistance, including first-aid and medical support, within 15 days of FIR registration.Under existing rules, applicants must furnish a certificate from the court or the police station in charge. Eligibility is generally linked to substantial loss or injury affecting a family’s livelihood, and victims should not have already received compensation through another government scheme or insurance.The authors recommended: “Uniform compensation amounts across states, simpler procedures, faster processing and greater public awareness would make the scheme more victim friendly.”The study was conducted by D Rufus, assistant professor in the department of criminology at Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice, Jodhpur, and research scholar TK Shayana.