Maneka Gandhi asks states and UTs to include male child victims of sexual assault in compensation fund

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi, in a letter addressed to Chief Ministers of all states and union territories (UTs) of India, has urged to take necessary steps for including male child victims of sexual abuse in the Victim Compensation Fund.

The letter also requests that compensation including interim compensation may be given to the victim on time.

"Male child, who is the most neglected victim of child sexual abuse, is being ignored for award of compensation and needs to be included" she said.

The Minister also highlighted that the POCSO Act is gender neutral and safeguards the interest of not only the girl child but also the male child.