The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has released central assistance totaling ₹1,423.30 crore to States and Union Territories over three financial years (2022-25) for implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The funding was distributed as ₹392.71 crore in 2022-23, ₹535.30 crore in 2023-24, and ₹495.29 crore in 2024-25 under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at strengthening institutional mechanisms for these Acts.
For speedy trial of offences, 217 Exclusive Special Courts have been established across 15 States and Union Territories specifically for cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The scheme provides financial assistance for multiple components including strengthening of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Protection Cells, Special Police Stations, judicial machinery, victim relief and rehabilitation, inter-caste marriage incentives, and awareness generation activities.
Victim relief was provided to 88,172 persons in 2022-23, 79,667 in 2023-24, and 99,216 in 2024-25 under the scheme. The government has prioritized awareness campaigns about legal safeguards and rights available to SC/ST members through workshops, training programs, and outreach activities supported by the scheme.
The SAMBAL initiative (formerly National Helpline Against Atrocities) provides grievance redressal accessibility through toll-free number 1800-202-1989 and short code 14566. Inter-caste marriage incentives showed significant growth, increasing from 14,225 couples in 2022-23 to 26,050 couples in 2024-25, as part of efforts to promote social integration and harmony.
According to Crime in India data referenced, 65,646 cases were registered under the Act in 2024, compared to 70,725 in 2023 and 67,633 in 2022. At the end of 2024, 3,92,006 cases were pending trial, highlighting the ongoing need for timely investigation and prosecution. The central government continues to work with states and UTs to strengthen implementation and ensure access to justice for SC/ST community members.