₹1,423 crore over three years for implementing PCR and SC/ST Atrocities Acts; 217 exclusive special courts
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
The Centre released ₹1,423.30 crore to States and UTs over 2022-23 to 2024-25 to implement the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. States report 217 Exclusive Special Courts in 15 States and UTs. Yet 65,646 cases were registered in 2024 and 3,92,006 were pending trial at year end.
- Laws
- PCR Act, 1955; SC/ST (PoA) Act, 1989
- Central assistance
- ₹1,423.30 crore, 2022-23 to 2024-25
- Exclusive Special Courts
- 217 in 15 States/UTs
- Cases registered 2024
- 65,646
- Pending trial, end-2024
- 3,92,006
- Helpline
- SAMBAL: 1800-202-1989, 14566
The SC/ST Atrocities Act: what happened?
Implementation of these laws rests mainly with States and UTs. The Centre funds them through a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, and the Social Justice Ministry released the latest figures on 1 October 2026.
- The Centre released ₹1,423.30 crore to States/UTs over three financial years for implementing the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 [PIB].
- 217 Exclusive Special Courts have been established in 15 States/UTs for PoA Act trials [PIB].
What does the Centrally Sponsored Scheme fund?
- SC/ST Protection Cells and Special Police Stations.
- Judicial machinery, including special courts.
- Relief and rehabilitation of victims.
- Incentives for inter-caste marriages where one spouse is SC.
- Awareness campaigns, workshops and training.
How do special courts work under the PoA Act?
- Exclusive Special Courts try only PoA Act offences, for speedy trial.
- Where cases are fewer, Courts of Session can be designated Special Courts with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court.
What does the Constitution say?
- Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice an offence punishable by law; the PCR Act, 1955 gives effect to it.
- Article 46 directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of SCs and STs and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
How much did the Centre release each year?
| Year | Released (₹ crore) | Victims given relief |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 392.71 | 88,172 |
| 2023-24 | 535.30 | 79,667 |
| 2024-25 | 495.29 | 99,216 |
| Total | 1,423.30 |
What do the crime numbers show?
| Year | Cases registered |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 67,633 |
| 2023 | 70,725 |
| 2024 | 65,646 |
Pending trial at end of 2024: 3,92,006 cases.
Why does the SC/ST Atrocities Act matter?
| Angle | What to note |
|---|---|
| Social justice | Protects SCs and STs from atrocities and untouchability. |
| Judiciary | Special courts aim at speedy trial. |
| Society | Inter-caste marriage incentives rose from 14,225 couples (2022-23) to 26,050 (2024-25). |
| Governance | SAMBAL helpline lets victims register and track grievances. |
What are the challenges in the SC/ST Atrocities Act?
- Huge pendency: 3,92,006 cases awaiting trial.
- Exclusive courts exist in only 15 States/UTs.
- Cases registered were still 65,646 in 2024.
What should be done next on the SC/ST Atrocities Act?
- More exclusive courts where caseloads are high.
- Time-bound investigation and better prosecution.
- Wider awareness of SAMBAL and legal rights.
What can Prelims ask on the SC/ST Atrocities Act?
- PCR Act: 1955; PoA Act: 1989.
- SAMBAL: earlier National Helpline Against Atrocities (Dec 2021); short code 14566.
- Article 17: abolition of untouchability.
- 217 Exclusive Special Courts in 15 States/UTs.
How to write about the SC/ST Atrocities Act in Mains
Practice question (15 marks, 250 words): Despite strong laws, atrocities against SCs and STs continue. Examine the gaps in implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
- Intro: Art 17, 46; two Acts.
- Support: ₹1,423 crore, courts, SAMBAL.
- Gaps: pendency 3,92,006, limited courts.
- Way forward.
What should UPPCS aspirants note?
- UP-specific figures are not in this release; use the national data with UP’s own court and helpline steps where official data exists.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB, MoSJE (2026-10-01): the Centre released ₹1,423.30 crore to States/UTs over three financial years for implementing the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
- Untouchability (Art. 17) was asked in Prelims 2020; PCR/PoA implementation is GS2 social justice.
Quotable data point217 Exclusive Special Courts have been established in 15 States/UTs for PoA Act trials.
PIB, MoSJE: Strengthening implementation of PCR and PoA Acts, 1 Oct 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: PCR Act year; Art. 17. · Mains: Why do atrocity cases see low conviction?
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
SAMBAL, launched by the Social Justice Ministry, is a
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB, 1 Oct 2026.
Consider: 1. The PCR Act was enacted in 1955. 2. Implementation of the PoA Act rests primarily with the Centre. Which is correct?
Answer (a) & explanation
Implementation rests mainly with States/UTs.
Which Article of the Constitution abolishes untouchability?
Answer (c) & explanation
Constitution of India.
Questions students ask about this
How much did the Centre give for the PCR and PoA Acts?
₹1,423.30 crore over 2022-23 to 2024-25.
How many Exclusive Special Courts are there?
217, in 15 States and UTs.
What is SAMBAL?
The renamed National Helpline Against Atrocities: toll-free 1800-202-1989, short code 14566.
How many PoA cases were pending trial at end-2024?
3,92,006.
Keep studying
Go deeper
Official source: PIB, MoSJE: Strengthening implementation of PCR and PoA Acts, 1 Oct 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending