Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Oct 25: The Goa government has notified the Rehabilitation of Acid Attack Victims Scheme to provide comprehensive medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and financial assistance to survivors of acid attacks in the state.
The scheme aims to support survivors in rebuilding their lives by ensuring access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities and legal assistance. It also seeks to promote their social and economic rehabilitation and ensure that benefits are not denied merely because criminal proceedings in the case are pending.
Goa reported two acid attack incidents in 2016 and 2025. In 2025, a 17-year-old student was attacked at the Dhargal bus stop. In 2016, a minor girl and her grandmother sustained injuries in an acid attack in Mapusa.
The scheme applies to residents of Goa who have survived acid attacks. Financial assistance will be available to those who suffer permanent disfigurement, functional impairment or disability as a result of such attacks.
Under the scheme, eligible survivors will receive an immediate financial grant of Rs 25,000, preferably within 48 hours of the authorities receiving information about the incident. The amount is intended to meet urgent expenses, including medicines, food, clothing, transportation, temporary accommodation and assistance from attendants.
An additional Rs 75,000 may be sanctioned within 15 days following verification to cover medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses, taking the total immediate financial assistance to Rs 1 lakh.
The state government will bear the entire cost of treatment related to the acid attack at government hospitals and approved private hospitals. Survivors will also be entitled to reconstructive or plastic surgery whenever medically necessary.
The number of surgeries will be determined according to the survivor's medical requirements and assessed by a panel of government or empanelled specialists.
In cases where specialised treatment is unavailable in Goa, survivors may be referred to government hospitals or empanelled healthcare facilities outside the state to ensure they receive the necessary medical care.
Beyond medical assistance, the scheme provides for counselling, rehabilitation, educational support, skill development, employment and self-employment opportunities. It also includes legal assistance and support in obtaining disability certificates, accessing welfare benefits and securing assistive devices.
Through the scheme, the government aims to provide acid attack survivors with timely financial relief, specialised healthcare and long-term support to help them regain their independence and lead dignified lives.