Govt. will consider raising pension for acid attack survivors to ₹50,000: Home Minister

Karnataka government plans to raise pensions for acid attack survivors to ₹50,000 and enhance support for their rehabilitation.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Tuesday told the Legislative Council that the State government would consider increasing the monthly pension for acid attack survivors to ₹50,000 from the existing ₹10,000 and take additional measures to support their rehabilitation.

Responding to a discussion initiated by nominated Congress member K. Shivakumar on the plight of acid attack victims, Mr. Parameshwara said the government was conscious of the difficulties faced by survivors and that he would place the matter before the Chief Minister. “I will prevail upon the Chief Minister to increase the pension to ₹50,000,” he said.

At present, acid attack survivors are getting a monthly pension of ₹10,000. Of the 169 survivors identified in the State, 59 have been receiving the pension, while the remaining cases are under process, he said.

Mr. Parameshwara said the government has been extending various forms of support to acid attack victims and would take steps to simplify procedures to ensure that survivors are able to access benefits more easily.

On the demand for housing for the victims, the Minister said the Karnataka Slum Development Board and Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation have already recommended allotment of houses to them.

The Minister said the government would examine ways to regulate the sale of acid more effectively.