Chandigarh, January 11: The Social Security, Women and Child Development Department today in collaboration with the Dhillon plaza Zirakpur, undertook a pathbreaking initiative of organizing a special screening of the movie CHHAPAAK for the acid attack surviving women at INOX plaza in Zirakpur. The screening was attended by the 15 acid attack survivors hailing from the State of Punjab.
Interacting with mediapersons on the occasion, the Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Punjab, Mrs. Aruna Chaudhary said that she salutes the bravery and courage exhibited by the acid attack surviving women in the face of heavy odds and also that the Punjab Government is undertaking every step necessary to ensure safe and secure public places for women.
Divulging more, the minister said that as per the report of the bureau of investigation, there are 40 cases registered in connection with the acid attacks. Out of these, in 11 cases the conviction is pronounced.
The minister further added that the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department provides a pension of Rs. 750 to all persons who have been disabled due to the acid attacks. Under the scheme of financial assistance to women acid attack victims, a pension of Rs. 8000 per month is being provided.
Mrs. Chaudhary further elaborated that in accordance with the present policy of the Home Department, there is a provision of compensation of Rs. 3 lakh per victim and so far, the Home Department has disbursed compensation to the tune of Rs. 8300000 to 40 victims. Furthermore, the Health Department has notified the Punjab Possession and Sale Rule, 2014 to regulate the possession and the sale of acid.
Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department Mrs. Raji P. Shrivastava, Director Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, Chairman District Planning Committee Barnala and owner of INOX plaza Mr. Karaninder Singh Dhillon, Inspector General of Police, Punjab, Vibhu Raj, Additional Director Mrs. Lily Chowdhry, and Deputy Director Mr. Harpal Singh.
