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

Description
The scheme "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" was launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment DoSJE , Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment MoSJE , Government of India. The scheme aims to ensure effective implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, addressing the constitutional mandate to abolish untouchability and prevent atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes members. The scheme provides central assistance for relief and rehabilitation of atrocity victims and incentives for inter-caste marriages. It facilitates functioning and strengthening of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Protection Cells, Special Police Stations, exclusive Special Courts, awareness generation programs, and comprehensive support systems for affected communities.

Benefits
• 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.
• 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.
• Awareness generation programs.
• Legal support through specialized court system.
• Administrative support through dedicated protection cells.

Eligibility Criteria
1. ##### ***For Atrocity Relief***
2. - The applicant must be a from a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
3. - 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.
4. ##### ***For Inter-Caste Marriage Incentives***
5. - The applicant must be part of an inter-caste marriage where one partner belongs to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.
6. <br>

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Visit the Social Welfare Department of your respective State Government or UT Administration. Take guidance from the concerned staff to determine whether your case falls under atrocity relief provisions of the Protection of Civil Rights Ac…
Offline
Step 1: Visit the Social Welfare Department of your respective State Government or UT Administration. Take guidance from the concerned staff to determine whether your case falls under atrocity relief provisions of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, or under inter-caste marriage incentive provisions.

Step 2: Step 2: Submit your application through the prescribed procedures of the Social Welfare Department, following their specific format and guidelines. In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (sig…
Offline
Step 2: Submit your application through the prescribed procedures of the Social Welfare Department, following their specific format and guidelines. In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: Step 3: Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains all the essential details.
Offline
Post-Application Processes

Step 4: Step 1: Your application will be processed by the concerned State Government or Union Territory Administration authorities who will verify eligibility and documentation as per the scheme guidelines.
Offline
Step 1: Your application will be processed by the concerned State Government or Union Territory Administration authorities who will verify eligibility and documentation as per the scheme guidelines.

Step 5: Step 2: Upon approval, relief amounts, or incentive payments will be disbursed through the established financial mechanisms of your respective State Government or Union Territory Administration.
Offline
Step 2: Upon approval, relief amounts, or incentive payments will be disbursed through the established financial mechanisms of your respective State Government or Union Territory Administration.

Required Documents
• Caste Certificate of Scheduled Castes Or Scheduled Tribes
• First Information Report Copy
• Medical Certificate (If Applicable For Physical Injury Cases)
• Incident Report or Complaint Copy
• Identity Proof of The Victim
• Address Proof of The Victim
• Bank Account Details For Disbursement
• Marriage Certificate
• Caste Certificate of Scheduled Castes Or Scheduled Tribes Partner
• Identity Proof of Both Partners
• Address Proof of Both Partners
• Joint Bank Account Details
• Photographs of The Couple
• Affidavit of Inter-Caste Marriage

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the funding pattern for states and union territories under this scheme?
A: 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.
<br>

Q: Can individuals from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities who face discrimination or violence approach this program for support and rehabilitation?
A: 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.
<br>

Q: How many exclusive courts have been established across different states specifically for handling cases under the Prevention of Atrocities legislation?
A: 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.
<br>

Q: What constitutional provision forms the basis for implementing these protective measures against untouchability and caste-based discrimination?
A: Article 17 of the Constitution of India has abolished &#39;untouchability&#39; and forbidden its practice in any form, which forms the constitutional basis for these protective Acts and their implementation.
<br>

Q: Are there any financial incentives available for couples who choose to marry across different caste boundaries, particularly involving scheduled communities?
A: 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.
<br>

Q: Which government departments or agencies are responsible for the actual implementation of this centrally sponsored program at the ground level?
A: 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.
<br>

Q: What types of institutional support mechanisms are strengthened through this central assistance program for protecting vulnerable communities?
A: 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.
<br>

Q: When did the merger of similar schemes take effect, requiring new applicants to apply through this centrally sponsored program instead?
A: 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.
<br>

Q: How is the monitoring and evaluation of this scheme's implementation carried out by the central government authorities?
A: 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.
<br>

Q: Which parliamentary Acts provide the legal framework and authority for implementing these protective and supportive measures for scheduled communities?
A: 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.
<br>

Q: What role do Special Courts play in ensuring justice delivery under this program, and how are they established across different judicial districts?
A: 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.
<br>