Cabinet Extends Fast-Track Court Scheme Till 2031
Each court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a special public prosecutor and six support personnel to facilitate faster disposal of cases.
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Centrally sponsored scheme for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive Pocso courts, for another five years with an outlay of Rs 3,788.04 crore.
The scheme, aimed at expediting trials in rape and child sexual abuse cases, will continue until March 31, 2031. The government plans to increase the number of courts covered under the scheme from 779 to 850.
Launched on October 2, 2019, the scheme currently covers 29 states and Union territories. Since its inception, the special courts have disposed of more than 4.02 lakh cases involving rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.
Information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government was committed to strengthening measures against offences targeting women and children.
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.
Each court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a special public prosecutor and six support personnel to facilitate faster disposal of cases.
The scheme also envisages vulnerable witness deposition centres and child-friendly court facilities to help survivors testify with dignity and minimise trauma.
The Department of Justice will monitor the performance of these courts through an online dashboard, regular reviews and consultations with high courts and state governments.
Additional districts will be covered based on the pendency of rape and Pocso cases.