The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO Courts, for another five years, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.
The extended scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹3,788.04 crore, comprising a Central share of ₹2,353.15 crore and a State and Union Territory share of ₹1,434.89 crore. The Central government’s contribution will be funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.
Under the scheme, the government plans to operationalise up to 850 Fast Track Special Courts across participating States and Union Territories, an increase from the existing 779 courts. The expansion will be based on the pendency of rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, across different districts.
Each court will have a dedicated Judicial Officer, a Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff to facilitate the speedy disposal of pending cases.
The scheme aims to ensure time-bound trials, reduce the backlog of sexual offence cases and provide a victim-centric judicial environment, particularly for women and children.
It also encourages the establishment of Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres (VWDCs) and child-friendly court spaces to enable victims to record their statements in a supportive environment without additional distress.
The Department of Justice will implement the scheme in coordination with State Governments and Union Territory administrations. Its performance will be monitored through the FTSC Dashboard, periodic progress reports, expenditure statements and consultations with High Courts and State Governments.
According to the government, the scheme has been operational since October 2, 2019, and currently covers 29 States and Union Territories. As many as 779 functional Fast Track Special Courts, including 399 exclusive POCSO Courts, are presently operational.
Since its launch, these courts have disposed of 4,02,457 cases relating to rape and offences under the POCSO Act.
Background
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts was launched on October 2, 2019, following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions dated July 25, 2019, in Suo Motu Writ (Criminal) No. 1 of 2019.
The Supreme Court had directed the establishment of exclusive Special Courts in districts having more than 100 pending cases under the POCSO Act, 2012.
Initially introduced for one year, the scheme was subsequently extended until March 31, 2026. The latest Cabinet approval ensures its continuation for another five years, up to March 31, 2031.
(PIB)
