AI SummaryFinancial Assistance to Women and Girl Acid Attack Victims is a social welfare scheme by the Haryana government that gives a monthly pension to women and girls who have suffered permanent disfigurement or disability because of an acid attack. This cash benefit helps survivors live with dignity and keeps supporting every eligible survivor with a fixed monthly payment.
The scheme is looked after by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Haryana. It was brought in through Notification No. 333-SW (4)-2019 dated 26 February 2019 and Notification No. 33-SW (4)-2020 dated 22 January 2020. Any woman or girl living in Haryana who is facing an acid attack is eligible for the financial benefit under this scheme. Support is given from the month in which the application is submitted, and no arrears are paid for earlier periods.
The scheme understands how severe an acid attack is for a survivor. It aims to restore the right of a woman or girl to live with dignity and gives a dependable financial base for their recovery. This help is given for the whole life of the survivor, not just for a short time, so that the family does not feel the full burden of the incident.
Financial Assistance to Women and Girl Acid Attack Victims - Details
The pension amount is worked out as a multiple of the Divyang pension already given by the Haryana government. The exact amount depends on how much disability the victim has. As per the official press release, the monthly pension given to acid attack survivor women ranges from about Rs 5,000 to Rs 9,000 based on the percentage of disability.
Applicants can apply through the official pension portal of the department, and the process stays simple and clear. Below are the main details of the scheme.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance to Women and Girl Acid Attack Victims |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Haryana |
| Main Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department |
| Benefit Type | Cash (monthly pension) |
| Application Mode | Offline through District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) office |
| Helpline | 0172-2715090, Saral Helpline 1800-2000-023 |
Benefits
This scheme gives financial support as a monthly pension, calculated as a multiple of the Divyang pension amount provided by the Haryana government. The specific support depends on the level of disability:
| Disability Percentage | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 40% to 50% | 2.5 times the monthly Divyang pension |
| 51% to 60% | 3.5 times the monthly Divyang pension |
| 61% and above | 4.5 times the monthly Divyang pension |
The financial support starts from the month in which the application is submitted. No arrears are given for the time before the application date, so it is better to apply as soon as possible after the attack.
Eligibility
To get the benefit of this scheme, the applicant needs to meet a set of simple conditions. The main points are listed below:
- Resident of Haryana: The applicant should be a resident of Haryana and should not have left the state for more than three years since the date of the acid attack.
- Woman or girl: The applicant should identify as a woman or a girl who has suffered the attack.
- Nature of injury: The applicant should have suffered bodily disfigurement or disability caused by acid or a similar corrosive substance.
- Date of attack: The attack must have taken place on or after 2 May 2011 to qualify for this scheme.
Exclusions
Financial support is not available if the acid injuries were self-inflicted, either through an intentional or an accidental act by the victim herself. In such cases the application will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Applications for this scheme are submitted through the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) office. The process is fully offline and does not involve any fee. Below are the steps to apply:
Official Form: Download Application Form
STEP 1 - Visit the local District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) office during working hours. A complete list of DSWO offices and their contact details is available on the official Social Justice and Empowerment Department website.
STEP 2 - Collect the hard copy application form and fill it with all the required personal details. Affix a recent passport-sized photograph and attach self-attested copies of all the required documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the fully filled and signed application to the DSWO office along with the supporting documents.
STEP 4 - Ask for a formal acknowledgment receipt. Make sure the receipt shows the date and time of submission and your unique application identification number, so that the application can be tracked later.
If the survivor is not able to apply on her own, her parent or legal heir can submit the application on her behalf. In the case of a minor survivor, the guardian should handle the process. For a married survivor, the application can be submitted by the spouse, parent, or guardian.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before applying so that the process goes without any delay.
- Medical certificate issued by the official District Medical Board confirming the disability.
- Copy of the official FIR or police complaint related to the acid attack.
- Copy of any earlier application or benefits already received from the Women and Child Development Department.
Definitions
Acid Attack Victim
An acid attack victim is a woman or girl who has suffered permanent disfigurement or disability because of an attack by acid or a similar corrosive substance. This definition matches the standards given under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Source: Official Scheme Guidelines
References
Read Official Scheme Guidelines
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply for this support?
Women and girls living in Haryana who have suffered disability from an acid attack that took place on or after 2 May 2011 are eligible. The applicant should be a resident of Haryana for at least three years since the date of the attack.
Is there an age limit for this scheme?
No, there is no age restriction for applicants under this scheme.
What documents do I need to submit?
You need the medical certificate from the District Medical Board, an official copy of the FIR or police complaint, and proof of any previous benefits from the Women and Child Development Department.
How do I apply?
Submit your application form and the required documents in person at the local District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) office. You can download the official form from the department website.
Is there an application fee?
No, the application process is fully free. No fee is charged for submitting the form.
Is there a deadline for applications?
There is no fixed deadline for this scheme. You can submit the application as and when needed, but it is better to apply soon after the attack because support starts from the month of application and no arrears are given.
Can I apply if I have an income?
Yes, there is no income limit for eligibility under this scheme.
Can I still apply if I receive support from other sources?
Yes, previous financial help from other schemes does not stop you from applying for this benefit.
Do I need a police report?
Yes, a copy of the FIR or police complaint is required for the application.
Can survivors appeal a decision?
Yes, you can file an appeal with the Director, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Haryana, within 30 days of the decision.
Is the support taxable?
No, the financial support given under this scheme is not subject to tax.