The Ministry of Women and Child Development, a division of the Government of India, recently launched a novel project. This aims to provide critical care and support to pregnant minor victims of sexual assault who don’t have family backing. With a budget of Rs 74.10 crore, the scheme pledges to extend shelter, food, legal aid, and other required help to these victims nationwide.
Purpose and Major Provisions of the Scheme
The scheme focuses on aiding minor girls who have been deserted by their families due to forced pregnancies caused by rape or gang rape. It takes into account the physical and emotional trauma endured by minor victims of rape and aggravated assault, especially when they become pregnant.
Eligibility Criteria and Documentation
Victims below the age of 18 who become pregnant due to rape or assault in line with the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and are either orphans or abandoned by their families, qualify for the scheme. Notably, it isn’t necessary for victims to possess a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) to enjoy the benefits offered by the scheme.
Provisions: Medical, Financial, and Infrastructural Support
The scheme intends to deliver medical, financial, and infrastructural support to such victims under the Nirbhaya Fund. The funds will be used to establish shelters dedicated to these victims, either as standalone shelters or designated wards within existing child care institutions (CCIs). In the case of wards within CCIs, separate safe spaces will be allotted for minor rape victims to cater to their specific needs.
Support and Insurance Coverage Provided under the Scheme
The integrated support under the scheme seeks to provide immediate and non-emergency access to various services, including education, police assistance, healthcare, and legal support. Additionally, insurance coverage will also be provided for the minor victim and her newborn, ensuring access to justice and rehabilitation.
Implementation of the Scheme
The scheme will use the administrative structure of Mission Vatsalya in collaboration with State governments and CCIs to actualise this support to minor victims. Interestingly, 415 POCSO fast-track courts have already been established across India to speed up justice for minor victims of rape.
The Need for Such a Scheme
According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) from 2021, 51,863 cases were reported under the POCSO Act. Out of these cases, 64% were reported under sections 3 and 5 of the Act, which pertain to penetrative sexual assault and aggravated penetrative sexual assault, respectively. Most of the victims were girls, and many of them became pregnant, exacerbating their physical and mental health concerns when disowned or abandoned by their families.
Other Schemes or Initiatives for Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault
There are several other schemes and initiatives supporting victims of sexual assault, including the Central Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF), One Stop Centers (OSCs), and Mahila Police Volunteer (MPV). The CVCF provides financial assistance to victims of various crimes, including rape/gang rape, under Section 357A of CrPC. OSCs provide integrated services such as medical aid, police assistance, legal aid/counselling, psycho-social counselling, and temporary shelter to women impacted by violence. MPV facilitates public-police interface at the grassroots level through women volunteers who act as a link between police and community and help women in distress.
Last Modified: February 22, 2024