Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment · PIB Delhi · Read the original release on pib.gov.in
- Central assistance of Rs 1,423.30 crore released to States and Union Territories over three financial years for implementation of PCR and POA Acts
The Central Government provides continuous support to the States and Union Territories in the effective implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. To this end, several measures have been taken with the aim of strengthening the enforcement mechanism, facilitating speedy trials, providing relief and rehabilitation to victims, creating awareness about statutory safeguards and promoting social harmony.
The main responsibility for the implementation of these two Acts lies with the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The Government of India, through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Implementation of the Civil Protection Act of 1955 and the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989, provides financial assistance to States and Union Territories for strengthening the institutional and implementation mechanisms under the Acts and Rules.
Strengthening exclusive special courts for speedy trials
As per information provided by States and Union Territories, 217 exclusive Special Courts have been set up in 15 States and Union Territories for trial of offenses under the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The Act also provides for designation of Sessions Courts as Special Courts in those districts where the number of cases is relatively less, with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court.
The purpose of establishing and strengthening Exclusive Special Courts is to facilitate speedy trial and effective disposal of cases under the Act and to ensure that victims have access to the exclusive judicial mechanism.
Central assistance to states and union territories
Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Center has released Rs 392.71 crore in 2022-23, Rs 535.30 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 495.29 crore in 2024-25, taking the total amount to Rs 1,423.30 crore in the three financial years.
The scheme provides assistance for strengthening the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Protection Cells and Special Police Stations, strengthening the judicial machinery, providing relief and rehabilitation to victims, encouraging inter-caste marriages, creating awareness and other measures for effective implementation of the Acts.
Over a period of three years, 88,172, 79,667 and 99,216 victims were reported to have received relief respectively under this scheme.
Promote awareness of legal safeguards
The Government has given priority to creating widespread awareness about the legal safeguards and rights available to members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and the rules made thereunder.
Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, States and Union Territories are provided assistance in conducting awareness campaigns, workshops, training programmes, awareness camps and other outreach activities to disseminate information about the provisions of the Acts and Rules.
Sambal – Strengthening access to grievance redressal
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the National Anti-Atrocities Helpline (NHAA) in December 2021, later renamed as Sambal, to facilitate easy access to grievance redressal mechanisms. Under this initiative, an accessible mechanism has been provided to members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to lodge and track complaints related to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. This helpline is available through toll-free number 1800-202-1989 and short code 14566.
Promoting social unity through inter-caste marriages
As part of the Government's efforts to promote social integration, equality and social harmony, financial assistance is provided under a centrally sponsored scheme for inter-caste marriages where one of the spouses belongs to a Scheduled Caste.
The number of couples receiving incentives for inter-caste marriages increased from 14,225 in 2022-23 to 26,050 in 2024-25.
From Crime in India given in the source document According to the latest data, 65,646 cases were registered under this Act in 2024, while the number was 70,725 in 2023 and 67,633 in 2022. By the end of the year 2024, 3,92,006 cases were pending. These figures reflect the continued need for timely investigation, effective prosecution and providing prompt assistance to victims.
The Government is committed to working closely with the States and Union Territories to strengthen the implementation of the Act and ensure access to justice for members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
This is the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and is published without changes.
