The National Commission for Women has submitted a detailed set of recommendations to central ministries to strengthen care, justice and rehabilitation for acid-attack survivors. The proposals follow a roundtable consultation on survivor dignity and aim to create a coordinated national framework covering emergency treatment, legal support, compensation, and long-term social reintegration.
Medical Care and Golden Hour Response
The commission has called for uniform implementation of the Golden Hour Protocol in all government and private hospitals. The protocol covers the first 60 minutes after an acid attack, when immediate treatment can reduce tissue damage and improve recovery.
- Mandatory training and certification for doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and emergency responders.
- Free lifelong treatment, including reconstructive surgery, eye care, dental care and assistive devices.
- District-level centres of excellence for burn care and rehabilitation.
- Dedicated hospital cells for case coordination and survivor navigation.
- Tele-medicine and weekly tele-consultation support for long-term care.
Legal Justice and Compensation Measures
The recommendations seek faster investigation and trial processes with fixed timelines. The commission has suggested simplified FIR registration, including mandatory Zero FIRs, and strict action in stalking-related complaints as a preventive step.
- Fast-track investigation and trial mechanisms.
- Reversal of burden of proof in acid-attack prosecutions.
- Dedicated legal officers at district level.
- Uniform national compensation framework with interim relief within seven to 15 days.
- Direct online transfer of compensation linked to FIR registration.
Rehabilitation, Inclusion and Prevention
The NCW has recommended psycho-social counselling, peer support, education assistance and livelihood support through skill development, work-from-home models and CSR-linked wage subsidies. It has also sought explicit recognition of acid-attack survivors under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, with separate disability certification and UDID linkage.
- National awareness campaigns to reduce stigma.
- Strict control and licensing of acid sale.
- State and district coordination cells with nodal officers.
- National case-tracking registry and digital monitoring dashboards.
- Amendments to strengthen prevention, regulation and survivor welfare.
Policy and Governance Framework
The commission has urged ministries to act quickly on the proposals through inter-ministerial review, standard operating procedures and accountability mechanisms. It has also recommended inclusion of forced acid ingestion cases in compensation schemes and gender-neutral policies for livelihood and welfare support.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026