New Delhi: The Union Government has released over ₹1,423 crore in central assistance to States and Union Territories between 2022-23 and 2024-25 to support the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, according to information shared in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale.
The funds were disbursed under a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at ensuring timely relief to victims of atrocities and strengthening enforcement of the law. Government data shows that ₹392.71 crore was released in 2022-23, ₹535.30 crore in 2023-24 and ₹495.29 crore in 2024-25, benefiting more than 2.67 lakh victims during the three-year period.
NCRB figures cited by the government indicate that cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have remained consistently high. In 2022, authorities recorded 57,569 cases involving Scheduled Castes and 10,064 involving Scheduled Tribes. The corresponding figures were 57,766 and 12,959 in 2023, while 2024 saw 55,685 SC cases and 9,961 ST cases.
The expenditure, however, is likely to renew discussion over how public funds are being utilised and whether existing mechanisms are delivering timely justice. While the government maintains that the assistance is intended to provide immediate relief to victims and strengthen implementation of the law, critics argue that financial support alone cannot substitute for faster investigations, efficient prosecution and timely completion of trials.
Legal experts have also pointed to the large number of pending cases under the Act in courts across the country. Delays in investigation and trial often leave both complainants and accused waiting years of final outcomes, raising concerns about the efficiency of the justice delivery system. The issue of false cases also frequently enters public debate. Various court observations, academic studies and official analyses have discussed instances of false or unsubstantiated complaints.
The broader policy debate therefore extends beyond the amount spent. Are relief funds reaching genuine victims quickly? Are investigations being completed professionally? Can the justice system reduce the enormous backlog of cases while safeguarding the rights of both victims and the accused? And how can governments ensure that every rupee of public money strengthens justice, transparency and accountability?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has said it will continue working with States and Union Territories to improve implementation of the Act, ensure timely relief and protect the constitutional rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The effectiveness of these efforts, however, will ultimately be judged not only by the amount spent but by the speed, fairness and credibility of the justice system.
