Bengal to compensate victims of crimes against women

Kolkata - Victims of crimes against women would henceforth be compensated in West Bengal, with the Mamata Banerjee cabinet Thursday ratifying the proposed scheme that would also  benefit rape and trafficking victims.

"The cabinet has given the nod to the compensation scheme, 2012. The women victims of criminal and non-criminal cases would be compensated under the scheme," Panchayat Minister  Subrata Mukherjee told media persons.

In case of loss of life, the nearest kin would get Rs.2 lakh. An amount of Rs.50,000 would be given for loss of limb or part of body leading to a handicap of 80 percent or more.

In case the victim loses limb or part of a body resulting in a handicap between 40 percent to 80 percent, the compensation amount would be Rs. 50,000.

Rs.10,000 would be given for loss of limb or body part resulting in a handicap below 40 percent, he said.

Minor rape victims would get compensation of Rs.30,000 and adults Rs.20,000.

Women and minor victims of trafficking would be given Rs.10,000.

"At the district level there will be a committee headed by the district magistrate who would decide on the eligibility for compensation," said Mukherjee.