The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) has disbursed a total of Rs. 36,85,000/- as victim compensation to 17 individuals for the financial year spanning April 2023 to March 2024. This compensation is provided under the Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012, and the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/other Crimes-2018.
The funds were sanctioned through the Home Department, Relief and Rehabilitation, Government of Nagaland, following recommendations from the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) and NSLSA. These recommendations were forwarded to the State Home Department for final approval.
Among the beneficiaries are 14 minor girls, 1 minor boy, and 2 male individuals, covering cases such as rape under the POCSO Act, sexual assault, loss of life under the POCSO Act, and other crimes resulting in loss of life.
The Victim Compensation Scheme aims to provide financial relief to victims or their dependents who have suffered injury or loss due to criminal acts, facilitating their rehabilitation. Applicants are required to submit their applications to the state Legal Services Authority, accompanied by an FIR, medical reports, and relevant judicial documents if the case has been adjudicated.
Compensation amounts are determined based on several criteria including the severity of the offense, loss of livelihood, age (in cases of death), monthly income, number of dependents, and whether the crime was an isolated incident or part of a series.