Pune: Over 1,100 Survivors of Assault and Abuse Receive Relief Under Manodhairya Scheme; Government Provides Over Rs 9 Crore Aid to Victims In Last Seven Years
Pune, 20th February 2025: The Maharashtra government has disbursed financial assistance of ₹9.13 crore to 1,126 victims in Pune district under the Manodhairya Scheme over the past seven years. The Pune District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) has been actively pursuing support for victims of rape, sexual assault, and acid attacks under this initiative.
Victims of such heinous crimes often suffer severe emotional, mental, and physical trauma. Reporting these crimes and navigating the legal process can be daunting, deterring many from seeking justice due to fear of defamation and social stigma. Recognizing these challenges, the judiciary has taken proactive steps to stand by survivors and their families, ensuring they receive the necessary support and justice.
The Manodhairya Scheme, launched by the Maharashtra government on 30th December 2017, aims to provide financial compensation and rehabilitation aid to survivors of rape, child sexual abuse, acid attacks, and young women rescued from human trafficking. The scheme is implemented through the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority.
Significant cases, such as the Bopdev Ghat gang rape and the sexual assault and murder of minor girls in Rajgurunagar, have been addressed under this scheme. The victim of the Bopdev Ghat case received ₹10 lakh, while the families of the deceased victims in the Rajgurunagar case were also granted ₹10 lakh in assistance.
According to Sonal Patil, Judge and Secretary of the Pune District Legal Services Authority, a total of 1,529 victims applied for aid through the PDLSA in the last seven years. Of these, 1,126 victims have received financial assistance amounting to ₹9.13 crore under the Manodhairya Scheme.
