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Chandigarh admin drafts Rs 10,000 monthly aid scheme for disabled acid attack survivors

Anuradha S Chagti, Secretary (Social Welfare), Women and Child Development Department, filed the affidavit before the Punjab and Haryana HC in a contempt plea seeking the implementation of long-pending court directions for acid attack victims.

2 min readChandigarhUpdated: Jul 5, 2025 03:04 PM IST

acid attack survivors compensation punjab

Applications can be submitted by the survivor or, in cases of severe disability, by a family member or legal heir. (File Photo)

In response to the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s directions for ensuring meaningful rehabilitation of acid attack survivors, the Chandigarh administration has submitted that it has framed a scheme titled SAHAS – Support and Assistance for Healing Acid Survivors – to provide Rs 10,000 per month as financial aid to survivors who have been rendered disabled.

According to the draft scheme, only residents of Chandigarh will be eligible for this aid.

The affidavit was filed by Anuradha S Chagti, Secretary (Social Welfare), Women and Child Development Department, stating that the scheme has been finalised and sent for approval to the competent authority. “The concurrence from the Finance Department has been received and the funds are available under the state budget to extend the necessary support,” the administration said.

SAHAS provides for a monthly financial assistance of Rs 10,000 sent to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Aadhaar-based direct benefit transfer (DBT). The affidavit was submitted in response to a contempt petition filed by Advocate H C Arora, who had sought implementation of long-pending court directions for victim support.

Submitting its response to the court, the administration concluded: “The deponent has the highest regard for this Hon’ble High Court and cannot ever think of disobeying its orders.” It requested dismissal of the contempt petition in light of the steps taken.

The administration stated that medical aid and interim relief are already available for survivors under an earlier scheme notified by the home department, and SAHAS is an additional initiative.

Applicants must provide a disability certificate or a Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) confirming the disability was caused by an acid attack. Applications can be submitted by the survivor or, in cases of severe disability, by a family member or legal heir.

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Other required documents include a copy of the FIR, Aadhaar card, proof of residence, bank account details, and an annual life certificate. The administration said all applications will be processed within a month, and the payments will begin from the first day of the following month.

The scheme also allows for appeals in case an application is rejected. Aggrieved persons can approach the secretary of the social welfare department for redressal.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More

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