KANNUR: Nirbhaya Aswasanidhi project was launched by the first Pinarayi government in 2018 to provide support and financial assistance to women and child survivors of sexual assault and violence.

According to a document obtained by RTI activist Raju Vazhakala, Rs 8,77,25,000 was paid to 1185 beneficiaries over a period of four years, Half of the beneficiaries are victims of POCSO cases. This is Kerala's own model scheme which is not available in any other state.

Aid for child survivors of 'less severe sexual violence' has been cut by a fifth, but funding for those who suffer more than 50 per cent burns in assaults has been doubled. Earlier, a maximum of Rs 2 lakh was given to acid attack survivors and if the burn due to the attack was more than 50 per cent, a maximum of Rs 2 lakh will be given.

Maximum Rs 2 lakh

Rs 50,000 to 1 lakh for survivors of and sexual harassment. If one gets pregnant due to rape, Rs 1 lakh is given as additional amount. Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh in case of loss of any body part or life in the attack. Up to Rs 50,000 for escaping human trafficking. The same is given for mental-physical trauma due to domestic violence.

Year, Beneficiaries, Amount (in Rs)

2018-19 - 51 - 48,05,000

2019-20 - 84- 59,30,000

2020-21 - 284 - 1,58,45,000

2021-22- 472 - 37,855,000

2022-23 till November- 2,32, 90,000