To curb acid sale in capital, Delhi government’s Revenue department has decided to hold monthly meetings in the second week of every month to monitor illegal sale of acid.

All SDMs shall from now onwards submit monthly data along with photographs of raids to the Divisional Commissioner by the first week of next month. They have been directed to conduct raids at localities, markets and residential colonies etc.

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) had issued summons to the Revenue Department regarding their failure in curbing open sale of acid in the Capital.

The Commission had pointed out that most SDMs were violating the orders of the Supreme Court and were not carrying out inspections and imposing penalty against those who are indulging in open sale of acid.

In response to the Commission’s summons, senior officials from the Revenue Department appeared before the Commission and renewed their commitment towards curbing open sale of acid in the Capital.

Besides, all SDMs have been directed to hold monthly meetings at the level of district along with police officers, Mahila Panchayat (DCW) and other NGOs on the issue. They have been asked to seek inputs from RWAs and NGOs so that strong action is taken against the wrongdoers.

Also a scheme for rehabilitation of acid attack survivors and utilization of penalty collected shall be made by the Revenue Department in consultation with stakeholders so that the fund collected as penalties is properly utilized for the rehabilitation of acid attack survivors.

Further, it was decided that joint efforts shall be made by DCW and Revenue Department for sensitization and awareness among public to deter them from purchasing and selling acid.

DCW Chief Swati Maliwal stated, “The Commission has fixed the accountability of the Revenue Department in this regard, which shall now be holding regular meetings with all SDMs, Delhi Police and external experts to monitor the illegal sale of acid in the Capital. Also, the Department is making a scheme to rehabilitate the acid attack survivors with the penalty amount collected by them. All departments must work in close coordination to curb open and illegal sale of acid in the Capital.”