Tezzbuzz Desk- The central government is considering increasing the relief amount given to victims in cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). After the proposal is approved, the existing compensation amount may increase by more than 40 percent. Under this, the minimum relief can increase from Rs 85 thousand to around Rs 1 lakh and the maximum amount can increase from Rs 8.25 lakh to around Rs 12 lakh.
The relief amount under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Rules was last revised in 2016. After this, inflation and cost of living have increased continuously. Keeping this in view, the government is now considering increasing the compensation amount as per the current economic conditions.
There has also been talk in the proposal of linking the relief amount to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), so that the compensation can be changed according to inflation in future.
More relief is available in serious crimes
The amount of compensation is decided based on the nature of the crime and its seriousness. At present, there is a provision of relief ranging from Rs 85 thousand to Rs 8.25 lakh in different cases.
Relief up to Rs 5 lakh can be given in rape cases and up to Rs 8.25 lakh in gang rape cases. Whereas in cases like acid attack, compensation is determined based on the severity of the injury suffered by the victim. If the proposal is approved, the relief amount may increase in all these categories.
The relief amount in SC/ST atrocities cases has been linked to different stages of the legal process. After the FIR is registered, 25 percent of the total relief is given. After this, 50 percent of the amount is released by the police after the charge sheet is filed. The remaining 25 percent amount is given after the accused is convicted.
The purpose of this arrangement is that the victim's family can get financial assistance from the very beginning of the case and the help continues even during the trial process.
Just increasing compensation is not enough
It is important to provide more financial assistance to the victims, but merely increasing the compensation amount in SC/ST atrocities cases will not completely solve the problem. It is also necessary to speed up registration of FIR, completion of investigation, filing of charge sheet and hearing of the case.
The government is also considering strengthening the system of special police stations and special courts. According to the report, there is a proposal to provide a one-time assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the states to set up such special police stations. The subsequent expenses will have to be borne by the state governments.
According to available government data, 181 special police stations are currently operational in the country, but these are only in seven states and union territories. In such a situation, strengthening the investigation and judicial system in states with more cases is a big challenge.
How much relief was given in the last years?
According to government data, funds have been released continuously over the years to provide relief to the victims of SC/ST atrocities.
- 2019-20: Rs 141.36 crore, 23,866 victims benefited
- 2020-21: Rs 113.03 crore, 23,592 victims benefited
- 2021-22: Rs 126.72 crore, 20,278 victims benefited
- 2022-23: Rs 91.54 crore, 23,828 victims benefited
- 2023-24: Rs 97.95 crore, 19,240 victims benefited
- 2024-25: Rs 89.49 crore, 20,074 victims benefited
- 2025-26: Rs 87.08 crore released, relief to 12,665 victims so far
The victims face economic as well as social challenges.
In cases of SC/ST atrocities, the affected families do not only have to suffer financial losses. In many cases they also have to face social pressure, threats, employment related losses and property related problems.
For this reason, the safety and rights of victims and witnesses have also been given importance in the law. In such a situation, if the process of investigation and justice is also expedited along with the proposed increase in compensation, only then will the victims be able to get real and timely relief.
At present the proposal to increase the compensation is under consideration. The picture of the new relief amount and its implementation will be clear only after the final decision is taken.