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13 August 2026

SC/ST Atrocities Act rules amendment

The topic involves proposed amendments to a major piece of legislation (SC/ST Act) and recommendations from a constitutional body (NCST), which are direct subjects for UPSC Mains questions regarding the protection of vulnerable sections.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • An internal task force under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has proposed amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules.
  • Key recommendations include upward revision of relief and rehabilitation amounts to account for inflation, last adjusted in 2016.
  • Current relief amounts range from ₹85,000 to ₹8.25 lakh based on the severity of the crime and injury.
  • Proposals include the introduction of mandatory counselling for victims, their dependants, and the accused.
  • Task force suggests a mandate for FIRs and chargesheets to be submitted to relevant government officials within 24 hours.
  • Establishment of special relief and rehabilitation cells in all States and Union Territories is proposed.
  • The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has recommended amendments to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
  • NCST proposals focus on protecting the land rights of tribal communities involved in prolonged legal disputes and curbing the practice of filing 'counter FIRs' against complainants.

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of the proposed amendments to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules in ensuring effective justice delivery and victim rehabilitation. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a critical instrument for social justice. Analyze the challenges in its implementation and evaluate how the proposed institutional reforms, such as dedicated rehabilitation cells and procedural timelines, could strengthen the protection of marginalized communities. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. The relief and rehabilitation amounts under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules were last set in which year?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-13/sc-st-atrocities-act-rules-amendment