Task force recommends enhanced relief, counselling, and faster justice for SC/ST atrocity victims
An internal task force, headed by the Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment, has recommended amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules. Key recommendations include increasing relief and rehabilitation amounts to adjust for inflation, introducing counselling for victims, their dependents, and the accused, and fast-tracking FIR and chargesheet procedures. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) also suggested amendments to protect the livelihoods of ST communities alienated from their traditional territories and measures to check "counter FIRs" against those reporting atrocities.
Key Points
- The task force recommends increasing relief amounts for SC/ST atrocity victims to account for inflation.
- Counselling services are proposed for victims, their dependents, and the accused to ensure holistic support.
- Faster FIR and chargesheet procedures are suggested to ensure timely justice.
- The NCST also advocates for protecting the livelihoods of Scheduled Tribe communities and preventing "counter FIRs."
- Strengthening the SC/ST Act rules aims to better protect the rights, dignity, and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
Exam Facts
- The recommendations are for amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules.
- The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was last amended in 2018.
- Current relief amounts range from ₹85,000 to ₹8.25 lakh.
- The task force report was submitted to the Centre on July 31.
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