NEW DELHI, Nov 4: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today 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 scheme has a total financial outlay of Rs 3,788.04 crore, comprising a Central share of Rs 2,353.15 crore and State/UT share of Rs 1,434.89 crore. The Central share will be funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.
The extended scheme provides for the operationalisation of 850 FTSCs, including exclusive POCSO Courts, across participating States and Union Territories, up from the existing 779 courts.
Each court will have a dedicated Judicial Officer, a Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff to ensure speedy disposal of pending rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The scheme aims to expedite trials, reduce the pendency of sexual offence cases and ensure timely justice to victims, particularly women and children. It also encourages the establishment of Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres and child-friendly court spaces to provide a victim-centric environment.
The Department of Justice will implement the scheme in coordination with State Governments and UT Administrations. The expansion of courts will be based on the pendency of rape and POCSO cases across districts.
The Department will monitor the functioning of the courts through the FTSC Dashboard, periodic progress reports and consultations with High Courts and State Governments.
The scheme, launched on October 2, 2019, has so far been implemented in 29 States and Union Territories. Of the 779 functional courts, 399 are exclusive POCSO Courts. These courts have disposed of 4,02,457 cases since the scheme’s inception.
The initiative was launched in pursuance of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and following directions of the Supreme Court on July 25, 2019, for setting up exclusive Special Courts in districts having more than 100 pending POCSO cases.
Initially launched for one year, the scheme was subsequently extended up to March 31, 2026. The latest approval will ensure its continuation for another five years, strengthening the judicial response to sexual offences and facilitating time-bound trials.