Govt's compensation scheme for terror victims

The victims (dead or wounded) or the family members of the victim of terrorist and communal violence would be entitled to receive Rs 3 lakh as an additional compensation under a Government of India's central scheme to be implemented since April 1, 2008. This compensation will be in addition to the ex-gratia relief provided by the concerned state governments or any other assistance to the victims or their families.

The purpose of the scheme is to assist financially the family member(s) in case of death or permanent incapacitation of the victim who was the bread-winner or the householder of the family.

Instead of providing Rs 3 lakh instantly, the principal amount would be put in a fixed deposit account in a nationalised or any scheduled commercial bank with a minimum lock-in period of 3 years or, if there are only minor children in the family, till the elder child attains the age of majority, whichever is later. The interest on the sum would be credited directly by the banks to the beneficiary's saving account every three months.

Apart from monetary assistance of Rs 3 lakh, a health card valid for the life time would be provided by the District Health Society functioning under the National Rural Health Mission.

This card would facilitate them free medical treatment in respect of injuries owing to violence and all other major illness. Medical care will also be provided to the beneficiaries of the scheme as a special case under the on-going schemes of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, viz., Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi and the National Trauma Care Project.

A District level Committee, under the Chairmanship of District Magistrate/ Collector/Dy. Commissioner, District Medical Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, District Child and Women Development Officer and an officer who may be nominated by the State Government would identify beneficiaries and verify their eligibility for assistance under the scheme.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) would examine the case to grant assistance under the scheme.

This scheme is applicable only to victim or kin in case of his/her death under the 'Central Scheme for Assistance to Victims of Terrorist and Communal Violence' and not to the victim of naxal violence. The terrorists or their family members have also been kept out of scheme's gamut.

The Union Cabinet had given its approval for the scheme on March 20, 2008. But, the MEA has recently sent the detailed guidelines to the States and Union Territories.