The Union Government has proposed a significant increase in financial compensation for victims of atrocities belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Under the proposed changes, the maximum compensation could increase to Rs 12 lakh, representing an increase of more than 40 percent over the existing level.
The proposal is aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, and providing greater financial support to victims and their families. The move comes amid continuing concerns about the availability of adequate relief, rehabilitation and institutional mechanisms for dealing with cases registered under the law.
The compensation provided under the law is intended to offer financial assistance to victims who suffer because of offences covered by the SC and ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The proposed increase would provide greater monetary support in cases where victims face serious physical, social or economic consequences.
According to the proposal, the maximum amount of compensation could be raised to Rs 12 lakh. The revision would represent a substantial increase compared with the existing compensation framework, which has remained in place for several years.
The government is also looking at strengthening the institutional infrastructure used to handle cases involving atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. As part of the proposed measures, financial assistance could be provided to state governments for establishing special police stations and strengthening the mechanisms responsible for investigating such cases.
Special police stations can play an important role in ensuring that complaints under the SC and ST Prevention of Atrocities Act are handled by personnel familiar with the provisions of the law. Better infrastructure and dedicated resources could also help improve the investigation process and coordination between police authorities and other agencies.
The Centre already provides financial assistance to states and Union Territories for the effective implementation of the SC and ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The assistance covers several areas, including the functioning and strengthening of protection cells and special police stations, exclusive special courts, relief and rehabilitation of victims, awareness programmes and other measures.
The proposed increase in compensation is therefore part of a broader effort to improve the enforcement framework surrounding the law. Apart from providing financial relief, effective implementation also depends on timely registration of cases, proper investigation, prosecution and judicial proceedings.
Government data indicates that substantial central assistance has already been provided to states and Union Territories under the centrally sponsored scheme. According to a government parliamentary response, central assistance released under the scheme stood at Rs 610.11 crore in 2021 to 2022, Rs 392.70 crore in 2022 to 2023 and Rs 535.30 crore in 2023 to 2024. A further Rs 470.51 crore had been released during 2024 to 2025 as of March 5, 2025.
The need to strengthen dedicated infrastructure has also been highlighted by recent government data. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's 2025 to 2026 annual report stated that 181 special police stations had been established under the Act in seven states and Union Territories. The same report said that 217 exclusive special courts had been established in 15 states and Union Territories for speedy trial of cases registered under the Act.
The proposed financial assistance to states could help address gaps in police and judicial infrastructure. Dedicated facilities can provide specialised support for investigating cases and handling legal proceedings, particularly in areas where the number of cases is comparatively high.
The proposed compensation revision is also significant for victims and their dependents. Financial assistance can help families meet immediate expenses and support rehabilitation following an incident. However, compensation is only one component of the broader legal protection framework. Effective enforcement requires timely action by police authorities, prosecutors and courts.
The government has also emphasised awareness generation as part of the centrally sponsored scheme. Awareness programmes can help eligible victims and their families understand their rights and the procedures available for seeking relief under the law.
The proposed changes come after several years during which the compensation framework has faced calls for revision. Raising the maximum compensation to Rs 12 lakh would represent an effort to update financial assistance in line with present circumstances and the needs of affected families.
It is important to note that the reported increase is a government proposal and should not be treated as an already implemented change until the necessary approval and notification processes are completed.
If approved, the proposal could provide additional financial support to victims while also improving the institutional capacity of states to deal with offences covered under the SC and ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
The proposed measures therefore combine two important areas of support: increased financial assistance for victims and stronger enforcement infrastructure. The government is seeking to improve both the immediate relief available to affected families and the systems responsible for investigation and prosecution.
The effectiveness of the proposed changes will ultimately depend on how quickly the revised compensation provisions are implemented and how effectively states use additional resources to strengthen police stations, protection cells and courts.