Meghalaya Victim Compensation Scheme, 2022 was introduced by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya. This social welfare initiative provides financial assistance and support services to victims or their dependents who have suffered harm or injury due to criminal activity. The assistance includes shelter, medical aid, legal assistance, counseling, education, and vocational training, depending on the victim’s needs.
The scheme is designed to help victims and their families recover and rehabilitate from the psychological, physical, and financial toll caused by crimes.
Benefits
The compensation is structured based on the type of injury or loss incurred by the victim:
| Loss/Injury Type | Age Limit | Compensation (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of Life | Age ≤ 40 years | ₹10,00,000 |
| Loss of Life | Age > 40 & ≤ 60 years | ₹7,00,000 |
| Loss of Life | Age > 60 years | ₹5,00,000 |
| Gang Rape | NA | ₹5,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 |
| Rape | NA | ₹4,00,000 to ₹7,00,000 |
| Unnatural Sexual Assault | NA | ₹4,00,000 to ₹7,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Permanent Disability (≥80%) | Age ≤ 40 years | ₹5,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Permanent Disability (≥80%) | Age > 40 & ≤ 59 years | ₹3,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Permanent Disability (≥80%) | Age ≥ 60 years | ₹2,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Disability (40-79%) | Age ≤ 40 years | ₹4,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Disability (40-79%) | Age > 40 & ≤ 59 years | ₹3,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Disability (40-79%) | Age ≥ 60 years | ₹2,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Disability (20-39%) | Age ≤ 40 years | ₹3,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Disability (20-39%) | Age > 40 & ≤ 59 years | ₹2,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Disability (20-39%) | Age ≥ 60 years | ₹1,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Disability (<20%) | Age ≤ 40 years | ₹2,00,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Disability (<20%) | Age > 40 & ≤ 59 years | ₹1,50,000 |
| Loss of Limb or Disability (<20%) | Age ≥ 60 years | ₹1,00,000 |
| Grievous Physical or Mental Injury | NA | ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,00,000 |
| Loss of Foetus (Miscarriage due to assault) | NA | ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,00,000 |
| Pregnancy due to Rape | NA | ₹3,00,000 to ₹4,00,000 |
| Victims of Burning (Disfigurement) | NA | ₹7,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 |
| Victims of Burning (>50% Injury) | NA | ₹5,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 |
| Victims of Burning (<50% Injury) | NA | ₹3,00,000 to ₹7,00,000 |
| Victims of Burning (<20% Injury) | NA | ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,00,000 |
| Victims of Acid Attack (Face Disfigurement) | NA | ₹7,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 |
| Victims of Acid Attack (>50% Injury) | NA | ₹5,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 |
| Victims of Acid Attack (<50% Injury) | NA | ₹3,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 |
| Victims of Acid Attack (<20% Injury) | NA | ₹3,00,000 to ₹4,00,000 |
| Physical Abuse of Minor | NA | ₹2,00,000 |
| Rehabilitation of Human Trafficking Victims | NA | ₹1,00,000 |
| Sexual Assault (excluding rape) | NA | ₹2,00,000 |
| Women Victims of Cross Border Firing (Death or Disability ≥80%) | NA | ₹2,00,000 |
| Women Victims of Cross Border Firing (Partial Disability 40%-80%) | NA | ₹1,00,000 |
| Women Victims of Cross Border Firing (<40%) | NA | ₹50,000 |
Eligibility
- Victims who have suffered injury, harm, or loss due to criminal activities.
- Victims must cooperate with the police and the legal process, including during investigation and trial.
- The victim or claimant must report the crime to the local police or magistrate.
- Victims must not have received compensation from other government schemes or insurance programs.
- Dependents can claim compensation in the case of a victim’s death or incapacitation, provided they were financially dependent on the victim.
Exclusions
- Perpetrators of the crime or their dependents are not eligible for compensation under this scheme.
- Claims must be made within 6 months of the incident.
- Claims covered under other government schemes (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, extremist violence, etc.) are not covered under this scheme.
Application Process
The application process is as follows:
- Step 1: A recommendation from the Court or an application by the victim or dependent must be made to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) under Section 357-A of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.).
- Step 2: The DLSA will review the claim, verify medical reports, FIR, and other documents, and conduct an inquiry into the claim.
- Step 3: Once verified, the DLSA will determine the amount of compensation and approve payment within two months. If the court’s compensation award exceeds the ceiling, the full amount will be paid.
Documents Required
- FIR or Police Complaint.
- Medical Certificate from a recognized medical institution.
- Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport).
- Address Proof (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter ID).
- Other Relevant Documents (e.g., receipts, bills).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Meghalaya Victim Compensation Scheme, 2022? A scheme providing financial assistance and rehabilitation support to victims of crime in Meghalaya.
- Who is eligible for compensation under this scheme? Victims or their dependents who suffer from criminal injuries or loss are eligible, provided they meet the specified conditions.
- How much compensation can be provided? The compensation amount varies based on the severity of the injury or loss, ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹10,00,000.
- What documents are required to apply? FIR, medical certificate, identity and address proof, and other relevant documents.
- Is there any time limit to apply? Claims must be made within 6 months of the incident.
- Can victims from outside Meghalaya apply? No, only victims residing in Meghalaya are eligible.
- Can a victim apply if they have received compensation from other sources? Yes, but the victim may not claim compensation from both sources for the same loss.
- Is there any interim compensation? Yes, interim compensation is available depending on the case.
- Can a minor victim apply? Yes, a minor victim can apply with the help of their guardian.