Majority of Atrocities Against SC/STs Occur in 13 States

A new government report reveals that a large majority of crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India are concentrated in 13 states. These regions account for 97.7% of atrocities against SCs and 98.91% of crimes against STs in 2022.

Atrocities Against SC/STs -Key Findings 

According to the report, of the 51,656 cases of atrocities registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for SCs, the states with the highest number of cases were:

• Uttar Pradesh: 12,287 cases (23.78%)
• Rajasthan: 8,651 cases (16.75%)
• Madhya Pradesh: 7,732 cases (14.97%)

These three states contributed more than half of all reported cases. Other significant contributors were Bihar (6,799 cases), Odisha (3,576 cases), and Maharashtra (2,706 cases).

For STs, out of 9,735 reported cases, Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number at 2,979 (30.61%), followed by Rajasthan (2,498 cases) and Odisha (773 cases). Together, these states reflect the serious issue of violence against vulnerable communities.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

This law was created to protect SCs and STs from discrimination, violence, and social injustice. However, the high volume of cases suggests that enforcement is still weak, leading to significant gaps in protection for these communities. The declining conviction rate, which fell to 32.4% in 2022 from 39.2% in 2020, highlights these challenges.

Reasons Behind the High Number of Atrocities

1. Deep-rooted Social Bias: Discrimination against SCs and STs has persisted for centuries, despite legal protections.
2. Weak Law Enforcement: The lack of special courts and slow investigations have hindered timely justice for victims.
3. Limited Awareness: Many individuals, especially in rural areas, remain unaware of their rights, making them more vulnerable.

Atrocities Against SC/STs Impact

This alarming data raises concerns about India’s ability to protect its marginalized communities. The lack of effective measures to combat these atrocities can lead to social instability and draw international criticism regarding human rights violations.

Government Response and Way Forward

The report highlighted the need for more special courts to handle atrocity cases and increased efforts to reduce delays in investigations. Strengthening law enforcement and creating awareness in communities prone to violence against SCs and STs are essential steps for improvement.

Table: Atrocities Against SCs and STs in Key States (2022)

State	Atrocities Against SCs	Atrocities Against STs
Uttar Pradesh	12,287	N/A
Rajasthan	8,651	2,498
Madhya Pradesh	7,732	2,979
Bihar	6,799	N/A
Odisha	3,576	773
Maharashtra	2,706	691

Atrocities Against SC/STs – Key Points in Summary

• 97.7% of atrocities against SCs and 98.91% against STs are from 13 states.
• Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are the top states for SC cases.
• Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of cases against STs.
• The conviction rate under the SC/ST Act dropped to 32.4% in 2022.
• More special courts and better law enforcement are needed to curb these crimes.

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