29 persons receive over INR 67 lakh under Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme

Dimapur, July 22 (EMN): Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) has sanctioned a total amount of INR 67,26,000 under Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012, for the year 2020 against 29 cases.

An update from NSLSA informed that distribution to respective dependents or families of victims by district legal services authorities (DLSA) started in the month of July.

The Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme was introduced for the purpose of compensation to the victims or dependents who have suffered loss or injury as a result of crime and who require rehabilitation.

It stated that out of the 29 cases, nine were victims of rape, 11 for loss of life, and seven for sexual assault and physical abuse. It added that out of the total applicants, 15 were minors. The compensations were awarded to the family members and dependents of the victims.

To avail the Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme, applicants could submit an application before the legal services authority of the state attached with the FIR, medical reports, and the copy of judgment or recommendation, if the case has been disposed of, NSLSA informed.

It stated that six applications were recommended during the year by the court, while 18 were filed by claimants/ victims and five were from police, administration, organisations and others.

The awards were given after scrutiny based on factors such as the gravity of the offence, loss of livelihood, in case of death their age, monthly income, number of dependents, whether the crime was an isolated incident or part of a series over a period of time. It informed that all applications received were considered.

It stated that eight beneficiaries were from Kohima district, six from Dimapur, five from Mokokchung, five from Mon and one each from Zunheboto, Tuensang, and Phek.

The NSLSA also mentioned that there was no specific budget allocated for victim compensation. It stated that the relief and rehabilitation of the home department were sanctioned according to the application received from NSLSA and DLSAs.