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Social welfare & Empowerment

Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

The scheme aims to ensure effective implementation of Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989. It provides relief, rehabilitation, and support to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes victims of atrocities and incentives for inter-caste marriages.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Financial Assistance | - Relief and rehabilitation support for atrocity victims (specific amounts vary by state implementation). | - Incentive amounts for inter-caste marriages ranging from ₹10,000/- to ₹5,00,000/- depending on the state. | - Central assistance provided to states on 50:50 basis and 100% assistance to Union Territories. | Institutional Support | - Functioning and strengthening of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Protection Cells. | - Special Police Stations establishment and operation. | - Setting up and functioning of exclusive Special Courts for speedy trial. | - 192 Exclusive Special Courts established across 13 states for faster case resolution. | Other Benefits | - Awareness generation programs. | - Legal support through specialized court system. | - Administrative support through dedicated protection cells.

Who can apply

The applicant must be a from a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.; The applicant must be a victim of atrocities as defined under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 or the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.; The applicant must be part of an inter-caste marriage where one partner belongs to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the funding pattern for states and union territories under this scheme?

Special Courts are designated District Session Courts specified by State Governments with Chief Justice concurrence for speedy trial, with all participating states having designated such courts for handling cases under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Can individuals from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities who face discrimination or violence approach this program for support and rehabilitation?

Yes, members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who are victims of atrocities as defined under the respective Acts can receive relief and rehabilitation support through this centrally sponsored program.

How many exclusive courts have been established across different states specifically for handling cases under the Prevention of Atrocities legislation?

A total of 192 Exclusive Special Courts have been set up by thirteen States to ensure speedy trial of cases, with states like Madhya Pradesh having 43 courts, Uttar Pradesh having 40 courts, and Gujarat having 26 courts.

What constitutional provision forms the basis for implementing these protective measures against untouchability and caste-based discrimination?

Article 17 of the Constitution of India has abolished 'untouchability' and forbidden its practice in any form, which forms the constitutional basis for these protective Acts and their implementation.

Are there any financial incentives available for couples who choose to marry across different caste boundaries, particularly involving scheduled communities?

Yes, incentive amounts are provided for inter-caste marriages where one partner belongs to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, with amounts ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹5,00,000 depending on the respective state government policies.

Which government departments or agencies are responsible for the actual implementation of this centrally sponsored program at the ground level?

The concerned State Governments and Union Territory Administrations are responsible for implementation, with applications processed through the Social Welfare Department of respective State Government or Union Territory.

What types of institutional support mechanisms are strengthened through this central assistance program for protecting vulnerable communities?

The program strengthens Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Protection Cells, Special Police Stations, exclusive Special Courts, and implements awareness generation programs for comprehensive community protection.

When did the merger of similar schemes take effect, requiring new applicants to apply through this centrally sponsored program instead?

The merger took effect from 1st April 2023, after which all Inter Caste Marriage and Atrocity cases must apply through the procedures of Social Welfare Department of respective State Government or Union Territory.

How is the monitoring and evaluation of this scheme's implementation carried out by the central government authorities?

Monitoring is done through detailed performance formats for ascertaining physical and financial performance, officer visits to States and Union Territories, and discussions during conferences of Ministers and Secretaries of Social Welfare Departments.

Which parliamentary Acts provide the legal framework and authority for implementing these protective and supportive measures for scheduled communities?

The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 provide the legal framework for implementation of protective measures.

What role do Special Courts play in ensuring justice delivery under this program, and how are they established across different judicial districts?

Special Courts are designated District Session Courts specified by State Governments with Chief Justice concurrence for speedy trial, with all participating states having designated such courts for handling cases under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.