KAKINADA: The government has been showing indifference toward hapless female victims of mischief and fate. With both minors and grown-ups being exploited in different ways in society, the government needs to view the problem seriously and compensate the needy and affected. The government of Andhra Pradesh provides financial relief to victims of atrocities like rape, dowry harassment, kidnap and trafficking and acid attack, among others. The previous governments issued several GOs giving them compensations through the Women and Child Welfare Department.
According to sources nearly 230 cases have been registered in the district since 2014. Most of them come under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). However, only about 109 applied for claims of compensation. Women and Child Development Officers say that the government has given compensation to only four victims in 2016. Dalit Bahujan Vyavasaya Karmika Sangham approached the Upa-Lokayuktha seeking direction to the state government to give compensation to 56 victims from 2003. Its state secretary I. Suryanarayana said that the government has not taken proper action to implement the GOs and pay compensation.
Considering the grievance of the complainant, the Upa-Lokayukhta directed the government to enquire into the matter and sanction financial assistance to the victims as per G.O.M.S No.28, Women Development, Child and Disable Welfare and Senior Citizens Department. He said that various police stations like Atreyapuram, Bommuru, Amalapuram Rural, Rajahmundry Town, Thimmapuram, Alamuru, Y.Ramavaram, Rayavaram, Kakinada Two Town, U.Kothapalli, Angara, Anaparti, Devipatnam, Karapa, Razole, Thondangi, Biccavolu and Korangi registered cases for the victims.
Meanwhile, the Women and Child Welfare Department officials say that they have submitted proposals to the state government for sanctioning of financial assistance to the hapless andharassed women and children in different cases. But, the government is yet to release any compensation.
