Home Minister G. Parameshwara at the Legislative Council in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara told the Legislative Council on Tuesday that the state government would consider increasing the monthly pension for acid attack survivors to ₹50,000 from the existing ₹10,000 and take other measures to support their rehabilitation.
Responding to a discussion initiated by Congress nominee K. Shivakumar on the plight of acid attack victims, Mr. Parameshwara said the government was aware of the difficulties faced by the survivors and would take the matter up to the Chief Minister. “I urge the chief minister to increase the pension to ₹50,000,” he said.
169 survivors
Currently, acid attack survivors receive a monthly pension of ₹10,000. Of the 169 survivors identified in the state, 59 are receiving pension while the remaining cases are pending, he said.
Mr. Parameshwara said the government is extending various forms of support to acid attack victims and will take steps to simplify procedures to ensure that survivors have easier access to benefits.
Regarding the demand for housing for the victims, the Minister said that the Karnataka Slum Development Board and the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation have already recommended them for allotment of houses.
The minister said the government would examine ways to more effectively regulate the sale of acid.
Low conviction rate
Responding to concerns raised in the House about the low conviction rate in such cases, Mr. Parameshwara said the matter would be looked into and measures to improve the conviction rate would be discussed with the relevant departments.
On employment support, he said that ₹ 2 crore has already been earmarked for rehabilitation measures for acid attack survivors. While interest-free loans are currently available, the government would explore providing grants instead.
Mr. Parameshwara said One Stop Centers have been set up to help the victims and the police have been instructed to ensure free and fair registration of FIRs.
Earlier, Mr Shivakumar said there were 169 acid attack survivors in the state and urged the government to provide them accommodation, job opportunities and free medical treatment, including plastic surgery, to help them rebuild their lives. He said the survivors are asked to submit the copy of the FIR and other identity proofs to avail the benefits. However, the police stations where the FIRs were lodged destroyed the old FIRs.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar suggested that fast track courts be considered to deal with such cases. Labor Minister Santosh Lad said his ministry would consider helping the survivors through the State Unorganized Workers Welfare Board.
Published – 10 March 2026 21:15 IST
