New Delhi, Nov 4: 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 till March 31, 2031, with a financial outlay of Rs 3,788.04 crore.
The scheme aims to expedite trials in pending rape and child sexual offence cases, reduce the backlog and ensure timely justice for victims, particularly women and children.
The total financial allocation comprises a central share of Rs 2,353.15 crore and a state and Union Territory contribution of Rs 1,434.89 crore. The Centre’s share will be funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.
Under the extended scheme, the government plans to increase the number of functional FTSCs from the existing 779 to 850 across participating states and Union Territories.
Additional districts will be identified for setting up these courts based on the pendency of rape cases and offences registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Each court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff to facilitate the speedy disposal of cases.
The initiative also envisages setting up Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres (VWDCs) and child-friendly court spaces to enable victims to record their testimonies in a safe and supportive environment, minimising further distress.
The Department of Justice will implement the scheme in coordination with state governments and Union Territory administrations. The functioning of the courts will be monitored through an FTSC dashboard, periodic progress reports and consultations with High Courts and state governments.
Launched on October 2, 2019, the scheme was introduced in pursuance of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and following directions issued by the Supreme Court in July 2019 to establish exclusive special courts in districts having more than 100 pending POCSO cases.
Initially launched for one year, the scheme was subsequently extended till March 31, 2026. It is currently operational in 29 states and Union Territories, with 779 functional courts, including 399 exclusive POCSO courts.
Since its inception, the FTSCs have disposed of 4,02,457 cases, according to official figures.
The five-year extension is expected to strengthen the judicial response to sexual offences, improve trial timelines and reduce the pendency of cases involving women and children.
