“NCPCR Urges States and Union Territories to Address Gaps in Compensation for SC/ST POCSO Victims.”
October 7, 2024 2025-03-01 23:20“NCPCR Urges States and Union Territories to Address Gaps in Compensation for SC/ST POCSO Victims.”
“NCPCR Urges States and Union Territories to Address Gaps in Compensation for SC/ST POCSO Victims.”
By Tanishka Shah
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), through its Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo, has urged the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to ensure the timely disbursement of compensation for victims of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act who belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. The call to action follows alarming findings from the NGO “Just Rights for Children” and the Commission’s own “POCSO Tracking Portal,” highlighting widespread deficiencies in compensation distribution.
The NCPCR reported that out of 5,178 POCSO victims registered on the portal, 1,546 (approximately 41%) are from SC/ST communities. The data revealed significant disparities in the states: 41.1% of POCSO victims in Andhra Pradesh belong to SC/ST categories, 45% in Karnataka, 48.5% in Punjab, 35.4% in Tamil Nadu, and 13% in Uttar Pradesh. However, there is insufficient evidence of whether these victims have received their entitlements under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which mandates immediate relief to victims of atrocities, regardless of trial outcomes.
The letter from the NCPCR emphasized that despite clear legal obligations, compensation under both the POCSO Act and the SC/ST Act remains largely unimplemented for these marginalized groups. The Commission also highlighted its ongoing efforts to ensure justice and rehabilitation for these victims, including legal interventions in various courts such as the Supreme Court.
The NCPCR has directed the States and UTs to establish state-specific victim compensation schemes, ensuring timely financial assistance to eligible children. It also sought a compliance report within ten days of issuing the letter. Additionally, the Commission underscored the importance of aligning these compensation mechanisms with Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment guidelines for victim rehabilitation.
This development reflects the NCPCR’s commitment to addressing systemic issues that impede justice for vulnerable children, particularly those from SC/ST communities, and ensuring that they receive the protection and assistance mandated under the law.
