NCW moots separate Board for acid attack victims

New Delhi, May 2 (UNI) In view of increasing incidence of acid attacks, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has proposed to the Centre to set up a separate Board that will ensure medical treatment, psychological counselling and legal support to victims of acid attacks.

It has also suggested that the IPC should be amended by inserting a new provision of 326 (A) and (B) to make the offence more specific and enhance the punishment to at least ten years or life imprisonment, said NCW Chairperson Girija Vyas at a press conference today.

The suggestions have been incorporated in the form of a draft bill, submitted to the Government on Wednesday, she said.

Elaborating on the suggestions by the Commission, Ms Vyas said the Board to be known as the National Acid Attack Victim's Assistance Board, could also recommend to the appropriate government on rehabilitation schemes for acid attack victims and provide financial support to the victim. It has also called for setting up of a monitoring authority at the state level to ensure that the victim got immediate assistance in the form of medical aid and support services.

The Board should be empowered to order an interim relief of upto Rs five lakh within a period of 30 days of reciept of the application and later approve an amount upto Rs 30 lakhs for treatment of the victim, she said. In case of death, a lumpsum amount of Rs two lakhs should be given to her children. She also recommended setting up of a National fund for the purpose.

Calling for more stringent action against the accused, the Chairperson said, in case the attack has resulted in deformity or disability of the victim, the punishment should not be less than ten years and may extend upto life term, with a fine of Rs two lakh. In case of an attempt to throw or use acid, the accused must get at least seven years' imprisonment and Rs one lakh fine.

Pointing out that acids are freely available, she called upon the Government to regulate and control the import, production and distribution of acids.

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