The Central Government continues to support States and Union Territories in the effective implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, through a range of measures aimed at strengthening enforcement mechanisms, facilitating speedy trial, providing relief and rehabilitation to victims, creating awareness about statutory safeguards and promoting social harmony.

The implementation of the two Acts primarily rests with the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The Government of India, through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for implementation of the PCR Act, 1955 and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, provides financial assistance to States and UTs for strengthening the institutional and implementation mechanisms under the Acts and Rules.

Strengthening Exclusive Special Courts for Speedy Trial

As reported by States and Union Territories, 217 Exclusive Special Courts have been established in 15 States and Union Territories for trial of offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The Act also provides for designation of Courts of Session as Special Courts in districts where the number of cases is relatively lower, with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court.

The establishment and strengthening of Exclusive Special Courts is aimed at facilitating speedy trial and effective disposal of cases under the Act and ensuring that victims have access to specialised judicial mechanisms.

Central Assistance to States and UTs

Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Centre released ₹392.71 crore in 2022–23, ₹535.30 crore in 2023–24 and ₹495.29 crore in 2024–25, amounting to ₹1,423.30 crore over the three financial years, to States and Union Territories.

The scheme provides assistance for strengthening of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Protection Cells and Special Police Stations, strengthening of judicial machinery, relief and rehabilitation of victims, incentives for inter-caste marriages, awareness generation and other measures for effective implementation of the Acts.

Over the same three years, 88,172, 79,667 and 99,216 victims, respectively, were reported to have received relief under the scheme.

Promoting Awareness of Legal Safeguards

The Government has accorded priority to creating wider awareness about the legal safeguards and rights available to members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and the Rules framed thereunder.

Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, States and UTs are supported in undertaking 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

To facilitate easier access to grievance redressal mechanisms, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the National Helpline Against Atrocities (NHAA) in December 2021, subsequently renamed SAMBAL. The initiative provides members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with an accessible mechanism to register and track grievances relating to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The helpline is available through toll-free number 1800-202-1989 and short code 14566.

Encouraging Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages

As part of the Government’s efforts to promote social integration, equality and social harmony, financial assistance is provided under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for inter-caste marriages where one of the spouses belongs to a Scheduled Caste.

The number of couples reported to have received incentive for inter-caste marriages increased from 14,225 in 2022-23 to 26,050 in 2024–25.

According to the latest Crime in India figures provided in the source document, 65,646 cases were registered under the Act in 2024, compared with 70,725 in 2023 and 67,633 in 2022. At the end of 2024, 3,92,006 cases were pending trial. These figures underline the continuing need for timely investigation, effective prosecution and prompt support to victims.

The Government remains committed to working with States and Union Territories to strengthen implementation of the Act and ensure access to justice for members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

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PR-146-TAR/KV/GA/RK

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