Kohima, 10 July (MTNews): The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) has recently sanctioned a total amount of Rs 31,70,000 as victim compensation 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 compensation has been awarded to 11 applicants from different districts (DLSAs), while 22 applications received in 2022 and 2023 are still pending.
The District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) and NSLSA recommended the claims, which were then forwarded to the State Home Department, Government of Nagaland (Relief & Rehabilitation) for the final sanctioning of the compensation amount.
The applications covered cases of rape under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, sexual assault, loss of life under the POCSO Act, and physical assault. Out of the sanctioned amount, 10 victims were minors, and one was a female.
The victim compensation schemes in Nagaland consist of the Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012, and the NALSA Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/other Crimes-2018. These schemes were introduced to provide compensation to victims or their dependents that have suffered loss or injury as a result of a crime and require rehabilitation.
To apply, applicants can submit applications before the Legal Services Authority of the state and attach it with an FIR, medical reports, and a copy of the judgment or recommendation if the case has been disposed off.
After scrutiny, the compensation is awarded based on factors such as gravity of the offense, loss of livelihood, age (in case of death), monthly income, number of dependents, and if the crime is an isolated incident or part of a series over a period of time.