The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced a package of measures to improve how two landmark laws protecting Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are enforced across India. The Centre is providing financial assistance to states and union territories to establish dedicated courts, strengthen police units, support victims and raise public awareness about these legal safeguards.
Under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the government released ₹1,423.30 crore over three financial years to help states and union territories implement the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. While the primary responsibility for enforcement rests with state governments, this central funding supports institutional strengthening and victim assistance programmes.
Key facts
- 217 Exclusive Special Courts established in 15 states and union territories for faster trials under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act
- ₹392.71 crore released in 2022-23, ₹535.30 crore in 2023-24, and ₹495.29 crore in 2024-25
- 88,172 victims received relief in 2022-23; 79,667 in 2023-24; and 99,216 in 2024-25
- 65,646 cases registered under the Act in 2024; 3,92,006 cases pending trial as of end-2024
- 26,050 couples received incentives for inter-caste marriages in 2024-25, up from 14,225 in 2022-23
- SAMBAL helpline launched in December 2021 with toll-free number 1800-202-1989 and short code 14566
Special courts for faster trials
The government has prioritised setting up dedicated courts to handle atrocity cases. As of now, 217 Exclusive Special Courts function in 15 states and union territories. These courts are designed to reduce delays and ensure victims access specialised judicial processes. In districts with fewer cases, existing Sessions Courts can be designated as Special Courts with the approval of the Chief Justice of the relevant High Court.
Financial support to states
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme provides funds for multiple purposes. States and union territories use the money to strengthen Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Protection Cells and Special Police Stations dedicated to handling atrocity cases. The funds also support the judicial machinery through better infrastructure and staff, relief and rehabilitation programmes for victims, incentives for inter-caste marriages to promote social integration, and awareness campaigns about legal rights.
Victim support and relief
Over the three-year period covered by this announcement, nearly 2.67 lakh victims received assistance under the scheme. This includes medical care, legal aid, compensation, shelter and counselling services. The rising number of beneficiaries in 2024-25 shows increased reach of relief programmes.
Awareness and grievance redressal
The government emphasises that many members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are unaware of their rights and legal protections. States and union territories are supported in running awareness camps, workshops and training programmes to explain the provisions of both Acts and the rules framed under them.
To make grievance reporting easier, the Ministry launched the National Helpline Against Atrocities (NHAA) in December 2021, now called SAMBAL. Members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes can call the toll-free number 1800-202-1989 or use short code 14566 to register complaints and track their status.
Promoting inter-caste marriages
The scheme includes financial incentives for inter-caste marriages where one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste. This reflects the government’s view that such unions promote social harmony and integration. The number of couples receiving these incentives doubled from 14,225 in 2022-23 to 26,050 in 2024-25, suggesting wider uptake.
What this means for you
If you belong to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe and face discrimination or violence, more specialised courts in your state mean faster trials and justice. Victim support programmes can help with compensation, shelter and legal aid. If you experience atrocity, you can call SAMBAL helpline to register a complaint. If you are in an inter-caste marriage with a Scheduled Caste member, you may be eligible for financial incentives under the scheme, depending on your state’s rules.
The challenge ahead
Despite these efforts, crime figures show the problem persists. In 2024, 65,646 cases were registered under the Act, and over 3.92 lakh cases remain pending trial. This backlog underscores the need for the government and states to continue strengthening enforcement, investigation and judicial capacity.