Centre Agrees to Travel Concessions for Acid Survivors

The Indian government has agreed in principle to establish a policy for granting railway travel concessions to acid attack survivors. This initiative, prompted by a Supreme Court hearing, aims to facilitate survivors' travel to well-equipped hospitals in cities for necessary periodic treatment. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, has asked the Centre to approach the issue liberally.

Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, representing the Ministry of Railways, informed the court that a meeting has been held, and a decision to extend concessions is in place. The Centre proposes to categorize acid attack survivors under the 'patient category' for these concessions, rather than within the broader Persons with Disabilities (PwD) framework, due to existing railway policies. The court has directed the Centre to file the draft policy within six weeks, emphasizing the need for timely relief for survivors who often endure long-term treatment and multiple reconstructive surgeries.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Atijeevan Society highlighted the financial burden and logistical challenges faced by acid attack survivors in accessing specialized medical care. Survivors often require extensive travel for four to five years of treatment, and the existing railway framework does not adequately accommodate their needs for concessions. The court's intervention aims to ensure that these survivors can receive the specialized care available in metropolitan centers, such as Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad, without prohibitive travel costs.