NCW Proposes Comprehensive National Framework for Acid Attack Survivors
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has put forward a detailed set of recommendations aimed at establishing a survivor-centric framework for acid attack victims across India. Central to this proposal is the creation of a national acid attack case tracking registry that would seamlessly link all critical aspects of a survivor's journey—from the initial FIR registration to medical care, compensation disbursement, and long-term rehabilitation.
Key Recommendations for Medical and Legal Support
In its submission to multiple government ministries, including Home Affairs, Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, and Social Justice and Empowerment, the NCW has outlined several pivotal measures:
- Implementation of a mandatory Golden Hour Protocol across all government and private hospitals to ensure immediate medical intervention within the first 60 minutes after a corrosive injury.
- Provision of free, lifelong medical treatment for survivors, including customized Ayushman Bharat packages that cover repeated and staged reconstructive surgeries.
- Fast-tracking of investigation and trial mechanisms for acid attack cases with fixed timelines, along with the appointment of dedicated legal officers at the district level to assist survivors.
Enhancing Compensation and Regulatory Measures
The commission has emphasized the need for a uniform national compensation framework applicable across all states and union territories. Key proposals include:
- Simplified FIR registration procedures, including mandatory Zero FIRs and stringent punishment to act as a deterrent.
- Direct online transfer of compensation linked with FIR registration, ensuring time-bound disbursal with interim relief provided within 7–15 days.
- Inclusion of forced acid ingestion cases within compensation schemes to broaden the scope of support.
Additionally, the NCW has called for stricter control and licensing of acid sales at manufacturing, wholesale, and retail levels. This includes periodic audits and inspections, along with clear distinctions between industrial and other uses of acid. Amendments to the Poison Act, 1919, are also recommended to strengthen enforcement and mandate record-keeping by acid vendors.
Focus on Psycho-Social Rehabilitation and Long-Term Inclusion
Beyond immediate medical and legal aid, the framework addresses the long-term socio-economic inclusion of survivors. The NCW has highlighted the importance of psycho-social and mental health support, recommending:
- Integration of family counselling and caregiver support as an integral part of rehabilitation programs.
- Incorporation of psycho-social rehabilitation into all survivor welfare schemes to ensure holistic recovery.
The commission has urged expeditious action from the concerned ministries to implement these recommendations, aiming to create a more compassionate and effective system for acid attack survivors nationwide.
