Acid attack survivors stage dharna in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Acid attack survivors under the banner of Institute for Social Development (ISD), Bhubaneswar and Odisha chapter of Acid Attack Survivors staged dharna at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar today demanding rehabilitation and government jobs.

As per reports, there are 52 acid attack survivors in Odisha, many of whom have not received any government support till date.

The Supreme Court in May 2013, while hearing a case of Delhi-based acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, had ruled that State governments should grant Rs 3 lakh compensation to acid attack victims and provide free medical treatment to them.

However, ISD alleged, many who have faced acid attack prior to 2013 have not received any compensation till date.

Odisha chapter of Acid Attack Survivors said that a letter has been sent to Women and Child Development department demanding rehabilitation and skill development training for acid attack survivors.

"A law on acid attack was introduced in 2013, but the girls who have suffered acid attack before 2013 are still to receive compensation and get rehabilitated. There are many poor girls who are unable to step out of their house. All of them should be rehabilitated and provided with jobs as per their qualification," said acid attack survivor, Pramodini Roul.