Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday informed that the state government has decided to provide Rs 7,500 per month financial assistance and counseling for six months to child abuse victims.

This announcement comes as a move to restore the self-confidence and dignity of victims of child abuse.

"The CM gave his nod to start a scheme for rehabilitation of the minor victims of rape, child abuse so that self-confidence and dignity of victims of child abuse can be restored," informed government spokesperson.

Apart from providing financial assistance of Rs 7,500 per month to the minor victim till the age of 21 years as a livelihood support measure, under this scheme intensive counselling up to six months would also be provided to the minor and his or her family through professional counsellors.

It may be mentioned here that the Cabinet at its meeting also decided to enhance the honorarium of office bearers of the Panchayati Raj Institutions from April 1.

As per the decision, Chairpersons of Zila Parishads would now get an honorarium of Rs 12,000 per month, instead of Rs 11,000, Vice Chairpersons Rs 8,000 instead of Rs 7,500, and members would be paid Rs 5,000 in place of Rs 4,500.

The Cabinet also gave its consent to increase the honorarium of part-time workers engaged in 'patwar' circles from Rs 3,000 per month to Rs 3,500.