The Punjab Financial Assistance to Acid Victims Scheme

The Punjab Financial Assistance to Acid Victims Scheme:
Rehabilitating Acid Attack Victims and Empowering Women

Launched in 2017 by the Department of Social Security and Women & Child Development, Government of Punjab, the Punjab Financial Assistance to Acid Victims Scheme aims to provide monthly financial support to women who have been rendered 40% disabled due to acid attacks. This fully state-sponsored scheme focuses on rehabilitating acid attack victims and helping them regain their independence and dignity.

Key Highlights:

• Monthly Financial Assistance: A financial assistance of ₹8,000 per month is provided to acid attack victims, enabling them to rebuild their lives and become self-reliant.
• Direct Bank Transfer: The financial assistance is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account by the Directorate, ensuring a hassle-free and transparent process.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must be a female resident of Punjab.
• The victim must have been rendered 40% or more disabled due to an acid attack.

Application Process:

The application process for this scheme is offline and involves the following steps:

1. Submission of Application: The victim or the victim’s parent/guardian/legal heir/family member/relative can submit the application to the concerned District Social Security Officer.
   • Note: If the victim is unable to apply herself due to the extent of her injuries, her guardian or relative can apply on her behalf.
2. Medical Certificate: A medical certificate issued by the Civil Surgeon must be attached with the application, certifying the victim’s disability due to the acid attack.
3. Grievances Redressal: If there are any grievances regarding the application process, the District Social Security Officer can be approached.

Sanction Process:

1. Step 1: Upon receiving the application, the District Social Security Officer will complete the necessary documentation and submit the case to the Deputy Commissioner within one week.
2. Step 2: The District Level Committee will meet within 7 days to assess the eligibility of the applicant. If found eligible, the committee will sanction the financial assistance; otherwise, they will reject the case with a written explanation.
3. Step 3: The sanction or rejection of the case will be communicated to the applicant, and all applications must be processed within one month from receipt.
4. Step 4: The financial assistance will be disbursed to the victim’s bank account, effective from the month when the acid attack occurred or the publication of the scheme notification (whichever is later).

Appeal Process:

If the applicant disagrees with the decision of the District Level Committee, they can submit an appeal to the Director, Department of Social Security and Development of Women & Children, Punjab within 15 days of the decision. The director will dispose of the appeal within one month.

Documents Required:

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Medical Certificate confirming the disability caused by the acid attack.
• Copy of FIR or complaint related to the acid attack.
• Attested Copy of any one of the following documents:
  • Voter List
  • Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport
  • Driving License
  • Residence Certificate
• Bank Account Details of the applicant, including IFSC Code and Aadhaar Card Number (if available).
• Any other relevant documents as required.

Note: The Medical Certificate must be issued by a certifying authority prescribed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (or its replacement if amended).