(1) The State Government shall, -
(a) issue necessary guidelines from time to time, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act;
(b) take measures for sensitisation and training of all stakeholders including officials and public regarding the issue of witch hunting,
(c) ensure confidentiality during testimony of victim as well as witnesses;
(d) grant adequate relief and compensation for victims of witch hunting;
(e) provide rehabilitation mechanisms and schemes for victims of witch hunting;
(f) provide counselling services for victims of witch hunting;
(g) increase public awareness through various schemes to inform communities of the Act;
(h) take steps for launching of campaigns against witch hunting through combined efforts of government, administration, voluntary' organisations, educational institutions etc.
especially in regions where the menace is most rampant;
(i) take steps for organising Women’s groups at village level and drawing up creative plans in consultation with such groups to enhance the selfconfidcnce and economic independence of vulnerable women in such areas;
Central Act No.
of 2013 THE ASSAM GAZETTE, EXTRAORDINARY, JUNE 30, 2018 2589
(j) take appropriate measures to improve education and health in such affected areas;
Obligation of certain persons/ authorities to report about the commission of offence under the Act
23.
Person convicted to be disqualified from inheriting property of the victim Rescue of victim Protective Homes and Rehabilitation Centres
(1) All Government functionaries and local bodies including Panchayats and Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs), Government Gaonburah as may be specified by the Collector or the District Magistrate in relation to any area and the inhabitants of such area shall, if they have reason to believe or have the knowledge that witch hunting is about to be, or has been, committed in the area, shall forthwith report such fact to the nearest police station and assist the police in the execution of the provisions of this Act or any rule or order made thereunder;
(2) Any Government official who contravenes the provision of sub-section (1) shall be deemed to have committed misconduct under the relevant service rules and liable for departmental action or fine which may extend upto Rs. 10,000/-.
24. Any person convicted of an offence under this Act, in relation to the commission of witch hunting, shall be disqualified from inheriting the property of the person against whom such witch hunting has been committed.