Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister for Dr. Baljit Kaur, stated that the state government has taken a unique step by making the "Punjab Financial Assistance Scheme for Acid Victims-2024" gender-neutral.
This scheme, which was previously limited to women, will now also benefit male and transgender acid victims. Under this initiative, acid victims will receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹10,000.
Dr. Baljit Kaur expressed her gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and his entire cabinet for this significant decision. She stated that this move reflects the government's commitment to equality and justice in society.
The Minister further informed that the Punjab Government has decided to increase financial assistance for acid victims. Under the scheme, the monthly assistance has been raised from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000.
The "Punjab Financial Assistance Scheme for Acid Attack Victims-2017" Making the scheme gender neutral, the scheme will now be known as the "Punjab Financial Assistance Scheme for Acid Attack Victims-2024" scheme.
Providing further details, the Cabinet Minister mentioned that this scheme was initially launched on June 20, 2017, under which only women acid victims were provided a monthly financial assistance of ₹8,000.
However, in a major step toward social justice, the Punjab Government has now expanded its scope to include male and transgender victims as well. She emphasized that this initiative will provide financial support to acid victims and help them lead a better life.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that this decision is a significant milestone in the government's commitment to social justice and equality. The minister expressed hope that this scheme will give new hope and self-reliance to the victims, while also playing a crucial role in improving their financial condition.