New Delhi, October 1: The Centre has released Rs 1,423.30 crore to states and Union Territories over the past three financial years to strengthen the implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said on Thursday.
Under the centrally sponsored scheme, the Centre released Rs 392.71 crore in 2022-23, Rs 535.30 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 495.29 crore in 2024-25.
The financial assistance is being used to strengthen protection cells and special police stations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, judicial mechanisms, relief and rehabilitation of victims, awareness programmes and incentives for inter-caste marriages.
The ministry said implementation of the two laws primarily rests with state governments and UT administrations, while the Centre provides financial assistance to strengthen institutional and enforcement mechanisms.
A total of 217 exclusive special courts have been established across 15 states and UTs for trying offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The courts are intended to facilitate speedy trials and improve the disposal of cases.
The scheme also provides financial support for relief and rehabilitation of victims. According to the ministry, 88,172 victims received relief in 2022-23, followed by 79,667 in 2023-24 and 99,216 in 2024-25.
The government also supports awareness campaigns, workshops, training programmes and outreach initiatives to spread information about the provisions of the two laws and related rules.
To improve access to grievance redressal, the Centre launched the National Helpline Against Atrocities in December 2021, later renamed SAMBAL. The helpline allows members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to register and track grievances related to offences covered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. It can be accessed through toll-free number 1800-202-1989 and short code 14566.
The scheme also provides incentives for inter-caste marriages in which one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste. The number of couples receiving such incentives rose from 14,225 in 2022-23 to 26,050 in 2024-25.
According to the latest Crime in India figures cited by the ministry, 65,646 cases were registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) 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, underscoring the need for timely investigation, effective prosecution and prompt assistance to victims.
The ministry said the Centre’s financial assistance is intended to supplement the efforts of states and UTs in enforcing statutory safeguards and strengthening institutional mechanisms for effective implementation of the two laws.
