The National Commission for Women has come up with a new rehabilitation scheme for rape victims which provides for interim compensation and psychological help. The scheme, which also provides anonymity to the victims, was formulated following directions from the Supreme Court and in accordance with the guidelines given by a committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

The 'scheme for relief and rehabilitation of victims of rape', applies to the whole of the country and covers all cases in which an application has been filed either by the rape victim herself or by any person on her behalf. The draft of the scheme says that a board would be set up in every district called the "District Criminal Injuries Relief and Rehabilitation Board".

The board will have exclusive jurisdiction to deal with applications received under the scheme in that particular district and will be headed by the collector or the District Magistrate. It will have the authority to consider the claims and award financial relief in all cases of rape and order other relief rehabilitation measures as deemed fit in circumstances of the case. Besides, there would also be a district monitoring committee, members of which would be nominated by the District Magistrate.

The board would be empowered to order an interim financial relief of Rs 20,000 if it is satisfied that rape has taken place. The interim relief has to be granted within a period of three weeks from the date of receipt of application. It shall also dispose off the application for relief and rehabilitation within one month from the date on which the complainant gives her evidence or within one year from the date of receipt of the application, whichever is earlier. The board would also provide psychological help and complete anonymity to the victim. The National Commission for Women submitted the draft scheme to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh earlier this week.