In a bold step to curb acid attacks, govt. to make acid sale data available online

The government implemented stringent regulations on acid sale to curb the increasing number of acid attacks in the country. Despite the efforts to bring down the number of acid attacks, the country witnessed 310 cases in 2014. The government is now contemplating to make data on the sale of acid online.(Read: Now acid attack victims can avail of free treatment and reconstructive surgery throughout their lives)

Union Home Mnister, Rajnath Singh, during his question hour informed that, the government is developing a software for online regularisation of acid sale. He further explained that the government has also made nodal groups to monitor sale of acids in each state, Singh said. Minister of State for Home Haribhai Chaudhary said state governments have been asked to ensure that acid is sold to a person above 18 years of age, the buyer has a photo identity card and a register is maintained to track the use of acid.

'In addition, refusal of treatment for an acid attack victim has been made punishable by imprisonment of up to one year,' Chaudhary said. He said Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of acid attack cases with 186 such incidents reported in the state out of the 310 cases registered across the country in 2014. Chaudhary said 27 acid attack cases were registered in Delhi, the highest among all union territories. (Read: Free treatment for acids, burns: Pune )

Chaudhary said among other states, 53 acid attack cases were registered in Madhya Pradesh, 11 in Gujarat, seven in Haryana, six in Maharashtra, four each in Punjab and Andhra Pradesh and three each in Bihar and Odisha last year. A total of 208 people were arrested across India for their alleged involvement in acid attack cases in 2014. Of them, 119 people were arrested in Uttar Pradesh, 46 in Madhya Pradesh and 10 in Gujarat, he said during the Question Hour. (Read: Acid attacks horrifying forms of gender-based violence )

The Minister said following a directive of the Supreme Court, the Home Ministry has sent a number of advisories to the states and union territories asking them to take necessary action for treatment and giving compensation to the victims. The states have been conveyed that no acid attack victim will be denied treatment by any hospital, public or private under any pretext and any erring hospital/clinic violating the legislative provisions should be dealt with sternly.

Administrative machinery of the states/UTs will also ensure treatment of acid attack victims. First-aid and treatment to the acid attack victims should be provided free of cost and minimum compensation of Rs 3 lakh must be provided to acid attack victims, the minister said, adding there are plans to give an additional Rs 5 lakh as compensation.

Source: PTI

Image source: Getty Images

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