Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Victims of serious crimes in Goa will now be covered under a revised compensation framework, with the State government providing financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh in cases involving severe mental trauma caused to women and children, including rape and human trafficking.
The government has notified the Goa Victim Compensation Scheme, 2026, replacing the scheme introduced in 2012. The new framework specifies compensation according to the nature of the offence, extent of injury and circumstances faced by the victim or dependants.
Under the scheme, victims of acid attacks can receive up to ₹5 lakh where the assault results in facial disfigurement. Other acid attack injuries can attract compensation between ₹3.5 lakh and ₹4.5 lakh.
A maximum of ₹2 lakh has been provided in cases where the death of the sole earning member leaves minor or unemployed children without financial support.
For permanent loss of a limb or body part resulting in disability, compensation of up to ₹50,000 is prescribed for cases involving 40 to 80 per cent disability as well as those exceeding 80 per cent disability.
Victims affected by lynching or mob violence may receive between ₹50,000 and ₹2 lakh, with the amount depending on whether the incident resulted in injuries, disability or death.
The government has also made it clear that financial assistance will depend on compliance with certain conditions. Authorities may decline a claim if the applicant fails to cooperate with the police or judicial process, does not assist investigators, deliberately turns hostile or submits a claim that is duplicated or already pending elsewhere.
A claim can also be refused if the circumstances appear prima facie collusive or the information provided cannot be independently verified.
The compensation framework extends to cases where a court recommends payment, as well as situations where an offender remains unidentified or untraced and the victim has been identified but the matter does not proceed to trial.
Cases involving the death of a minor victim and acquittals resulting from insufficient or lack of evidence are also covered by the scheme.
Eligible persons must approach the State Legal Services Authority or District Legal Services Authority in the prescribed format. Supporting records may include the FIR or complaint, medical documentation, death certificate and court complaint, depending on the circumstances of the case.
The authorities have been given a two-month period to verify and decide applications.
The scheme also allows victims to receive immediate assistance before the final compensation is determined. Free first aid or medical treatment can be sanctioned as interim relief based on a certificate issued by a Station House Officer or an officer of higher rank, or by a Magistrate.
Claims are ordinarily required to be filed within 180 days, although the delay can be accepted where sufficient grounds are shown. Applicants aggrieved by an order of the District Legal Services Authority can approach the State Legal Services Authority within 90 days.
To finance the scheme, the government will maintain a Victim Compensation Fund through annual budgetary allocations. The State Legal Services Authority will oversee the disbursement of approved compensation.
The notification also deals with compensation subsequently awarded by a trial court. Where an accused is later directed to pay compensation, the victim will have to return whichever is lower—the amount received under the State scheme or the amount awarded by the court—and submit an undertaking agreeing to the repayment.
