New Delhi: In a landmark move, the Punjab Government has decided to extend its pension scheme to male acid attack victims, offering a monthly pension of Rs. 8,000. This decision follows a petition filed by Malkeet Singh, a male acid attack survivor, in the High Court. Historically, compensation and pension schemes for acid attack victims have been exclusively available to female survivors, making Punjab the first state in India to implement a gender-neutral approach.Malkeet Singhs petition highlighted the absence of support for male victims, prompting the court and government to reassess the current policies. In response, the Bhagwant Mann-led government has made a progressive change by ensuring that male survivors receive the same financial assistance as female survivors. This decision is being hailed as a significant step toward gender equality and inclusivity in government welfare programs.The move has been widely praised, with advocates calling on other states to follow Punjabs lead and adopt similar gender-neutral policies. The expansion of this scheme not only offers financial relief to male victims but also sets a precedent for future legislation across India. As Punjab leads the way in supporting all acid attack survivors, there is hope that this initiative will inspire broader changes in how governments address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups, regardless of gender.
