The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) has distributed a total amount of Rs 36,85,000 as Victim Compensation to 17 persons for the Financial Year April 2023 – March 2024 under the Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012 and National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/other Crimes- 2018.

In a press release, NSLSA informed that applications for the compensation included cases of Rape under POCSO Act, Sexual Assault & Loss of Life under POCSO Act, and loss of life (other crimes) and that the victims included 14 minor girl, one minor boy and two males from different districts.

The amount has been sanctioned through the Home Department, Relief and Rehabilitation, Government of Nagaland and compensation of 17 applicants from different districts (DLSAs) have been sanctioned, NSLSA said. The claims are recommended by the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) and NSLSA and forwarded to the State Home Department, Government of Nagaland (Relief & Rehabilitation) for sanctioning final amount, it added.

Victim compensation is rolled out in two schemes including the Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012 and National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/other Crimes- 2018.

Victim Compensation Scheme was introduced to give compensation to victims or dependents who have suffered loss or injury as a result of crime and who require rehabilitation.

Applicants can submit applications before the Legal Services Authority of the state and attach it with an FIR, medical reports, and a copy of the judgment or recommendation if the case has been disposed off.

After scrutiny, the compensation is awarded based on factors such as gravity of the offence, loss of livelihood, age (in case of death), monthly income, number of dependents, and if the crime is an isolated incident or part of a series over a period of time.