SC/ST atrocity compensation may get 40% boost

The government has proposed a significant increase of over 40% in compensation for victims of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe atrocities under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The proposed enhancement aims to adjust compensation amounts based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and will see the minimum compensation rise to ₹1 lakh and the maximum to approximately ₹12 lakh.

Presently, compensation ranges from ₹85,000 to ₹8.25 lakh, depending on the severity of the offense. This proposal, sent to the Expenditure Finance Committee for approval, would be the first such increase in 10 years, with the last adjustment made in 2016.

In addition to raising compensation, the government has suggested providing one-time financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to states for establishing special police stations to handle cases of SC/ST atrocities. The funding for recurring expenses will be shouldered by individual state governments. This move addresses growing concerns over the inadequate infrastructure for dealing with such cases, as only seven states and Union territories have set up these special police stations.

The parliamentary standing committee on social justice and empowerment has emphasized the need for these stations, noting they serve as the first point of contact for victims, allowing for more effective handling of atrocities. Despite the Act's provisions, only these seven regions have established such facilities.