Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa government is set to roll out significant changes to the Goa Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012, with a focus on expanding categories, enhancing compensation, and simplifying the process of access for victims. This was revealed in the Legislative Assembly in a written response to Unstarred LAQ No. 102 tabled by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas.
Chief Minister and Home Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated that the new scheme is being drafted under Section 396 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. One of the key amendments proposed is to vest the power of awarding compensation with the Goa State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA), thereby streamlining the decision-making process.
The revised scheme proposes the creation of a separate category for acid attack victims with enhanced compensation. It also introduces provisions to ensure relief assistance to dependent family members in cases where the deceased victim is a minor and the accused is acquitted due to lack of evidence. In cases involving minor victims under the care of the Child Welfare Committee, the compensation amount will be held by the State or District Legal Services Authority until the victim turns 18.
The Chief Minister informed that, as per the current mechanism, the District Collector processes compensation claims based on court recommendations or direct applications from victims. After conducting an inquiry, the Collector forwards the report to the government for approval, following which the amount is disbursed. Details of year-wise and category-wise disbursal of compensation, along with data on rejections and pending applications, were placed in the House through annexures.
Interestingly, no applications for interim relief or emergency assistance have been received since the inception of the scheme. On the financial front, year-wise budgetary allocations and expenditures were also submitted. The last audits of the Victim Compensation Fund were conducted in 2018 (South Goa) and 2021 (North Goa), and no adverse findings were reported.
The government also acknowledged that awareness campaigns and outreach initiatives have been undertaken to inform the public and victims about their rights under the scheme. Further enhancements are being considered to strengthen support for victims and their families across Goa.
