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SC/ST Protection Laws — PoA and PCR Acts
The PCR Act, 1955 and the PoA Act, 1989 are India's two central laws against untouchability and against atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, enforced by the States with central funding. On 1 October 2026 the Social Justice ministry reported ₹1,423.30 crore released to States and UTs over three years and 217 exclusive Special Courts set up in 15 States and UTs.
Last updated 1 October 20264 min read
Latest update
New card on the PCR and PoA Acts: who enforces them, the Special Courts rule, the SAMBAL helpline and ₹1,423.30 crore of central releases over 2022-25.
- PoA Act
- PCR Act
- SC/ST atrocities
- untouchability
- Article 17
- SAMBAL helpline
- special courts
- MoSJE
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