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Journalism of Courage
Nearly two years later,only few have benefited from the Delhi governments Rs 15-crore compensation scheme to help rehabilitate victims of rape,acid attack,trafficking and child abuse.
According to an RTI filed by Pratidhi,a project run by Delhi Police with Association for Democracy,a few more than two-dozen victims have received compensation so far. What is more,the office of the divisional commissioner,which disburses the amount,doesnt have a consolidated record of the number of beneficiaries.
Section 4(a) of the RTI Act mandates every public authority to maintain records. Under the scheme,the Divisional Commissioner operates the fund and Delhi Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) is empowered to decide the amount for compensation.
I have allotted the money to deputy commissioners who disburse the amount. All data is maintained with individual district commissioners who make the payments. That is why the data is scattered, divisional commissioner of Delhi Dharampal said.
But only a few commissioners seem to be in possession of the data. Of the 65 sub districts,only 8 seem to have information. According to those figures,24 beneficiaries have received a total sum of around 30 lakh so far. In the East district alone,there are at least 10 victims who havent got any relief after
6 months of the incident, Raaj Mangal,director of Pratidhi,said.
After the December 16 gangrape,Delhi government had decided to amend the scheme to expedite the process of getting relief. The changes were recommended by the DSLSA and the draft was submitted to the government in February. But,since February 2013,no action has been taken as the draft has got stuck between the the home and law departments.
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