Compensation policy gets Cabinet nod

The Punjab Cabinet today approved a comprehensive policy to give monetary compensation to the victims or dependents of those who have suffered loss or injury as a result of crime,where the perpetrator goes unpunished.

The Punjab Cabinet today approved a comprehensive policy to give monetary compensation to the victims or dependents of those who have suffered loss or injury as a result of crime,where the perpetrator goes unpunished.

The Cabinet under the Victim Compensation Policy formulated by the state government on the directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court in a civil writ petition approved Rs 1 lakh as maximum compensation for the loss of life,Rs 40,000 in case of loss of any limb or part of body resulting in 40 per cent or greater handicap,Rs 30,000 as compensation for rape and Rs 20,000 for loss or injury causing severe mental agony to women and child victims in cases like human trafficking.

Based on the data of such offences available,an amount of Rs 7 crore was proposed to be provided in the financial year 2011-12. Likewise,Rs 4 crore would be provided for the remaining part of the current financial year 2010-11. The Cabinet also approved to amend the Prison Act,1994 to prohibit the use of mobile phones in the jails of the state.

The Cabinet also approved imposition of entry tax of one per cent on pulses and 5 per cent on RCC and SW pipes.

Keeping in view the historic and religious importance of holy towns of Chamkaur Sahib,Baba Bakala and Machiwara,the Cabinet approved to rename these as Sri Chamkaur Sahib,Baba Bakala Sahib and Machiwara Sahib respectively.

The Cabinet gave its nod for notifying the Punjab Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Counseling and Rehabilitation Centres Rules,2010 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act,1985.

To ensure hassle free and timely disbursement of pension to beneficiaries under various schemes,the Cabinet also agreed to effect suitable amendments in Old Age Pension and other Financial Assistance Schemes in the state.

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