NEW DELHI, NOV 4 (PTI): The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved continuation of the central scheme for strengthening fast track special courts (FTSCs) dealing with rape and child sexual abuse cases for five years until March 2031. It also approved increasing the number of such courts from 779 to 850 across all participating states and Union territories.
Launched on October 2, 2019, following a Supreme Court directive, the scheme currently covers 29 states and Union territories. Since its inception, the special courts have disposed of over 4.02 lakh cases related to rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Briefing reporters on the Cabinet decisions, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government was committed to firmly dealing with atrocities against women and children. He said the decision was part of efforts to fully utilise and implement existing laws and draft new legislation to address such cases.
According to an official statement, the scheme will be implemented with a total outlay of Rs 3,788.04 crore to ensure speedy trials. Each court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a special public prosecutor and six support personnel to improve case disposal.
Of the total outlay, the Centre will contribute Rs 2,353.15 crore through the Nirbhaya Fund, while states and Union territories will provide Rs 1,434.89 crore.
The Department of Justice in the Union law ministry will oversee implementation in collaboration with state governments and Union territory administrations. Additional districts will be included based on the pendency of rape and POCSO cases.
The scheme also aims to create a victim-friendly judicial environment through vulnerable witness deposition centres and child-friendly court facilities, enabling survivors to testify with dignity and minimal trauma.
The Department of Justice will monitor court performance through an online dashboard, regular progress reviews and consultations with high courts and state governments.
Thursday, November 5, 2026