The event was initiated by the Divyaj Foundation founded by Amruta Fadnavis in association with Maharashtra State Women's Council for Acid Attack Survivors
Ahead of Womens' Day on March 8, a 'confidence walk for acid attack survivors' was organised on Sunday at the National Sports Club of India, Worli. The event was initiated by the Divyaj Foundation founded by Amruta Fadnavis in association with Maharashtra State Women's Council for Acid Attack Survivors. The chief guest was Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
India has a high number of registered acid attack cases. In 2015, acid attack cases registered in India were 802. 85 per cent of those victims were women and 41 per cent of cases were registered because of anger and rejection. 49 per cent of the accused in these cases are absconding while 81 per cent are out on bail.
Amruta Fadnavis, who has led this initiative, also launched a music video aptly titled, 'Alag mera yeh rang hai' to which she has lent her voice as well. She said, "It is disheartening to see that a part of society still believes in this supersession. The victims go through a journey which makes them strong and we too should support them to be stronger. I request policy makers to make laws more stringent."
Daulatbi, an acid attack survivor and a member of Acid Attack Survivors Foundation, said, "We do not want sympathy, we want an inclusive society. We do not want to run from pole to post for trusts to help us with donations. We want independence."
The CM said, "The Cabinet has decided that the compensation for victims, which was Rs three lakh, will now be increased to Rs five lakh. The onus should be on the accused and not the victim. I give this responsibility to the State Commission for Women and we will support them and the proposed budget and as far as law is concerned, the state government will make sure that the accused face strict action."
Vijiya Rahatkar, Chairperson, Maharashtra State Commission for Women, launched a handbook on acid attack survivors. She spoke on the severity of the issue and suggested, "Acid should be licenced. A separate Act for acid attack victims, their rehabilitation, awareness, and stringent laws where an acid attack is a non-bailable offence should be introduced."
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