National Helpline Against Atrocities- National Helpline for SCs/STs launched

Table of Contents

National Helpline for SCs/STs- Relevance for UPSC Exam

GS Paper 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes;
- Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Recently, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment launched a National Helpline Against Atrocities (NHAA).
The National Helpline Against Atrocities on SCs/STs is now available round the clock on the toll-free number “14566” across the country in Hindi, English and regional language of the State/UTs.

Toll-free service.
It can be accessed by making a voice call /VOIP on “14566” either from the mobile or landline number of any Telecom Operator across the country.
Availability of services: Round the clock
Services would be available in Hindi, English and regional language of the State/UTs
Mobile application is also available.

Grievance Redressal: Docket number shall be given for each complaint received from Victim/Complainant/NGOs regarding non-compliance of the PCR Act, 1955 and the POA Act, 1989.
Tracking system: Status of the Grievance can be tracked by complainant/NGOs Online.
Auto compliance of the Acts: Every provision of the Acts related to the victim shall be monitored and compliance shall be ensured by triggering communication/ reminders with State/UT implementing authorities in the form of sending messages / E-mails.
Generation of awareness: Any inquiry shall be replied to by IVR or operators in Hindi, English and Regional languages.
Dashboard for the States/UTs: KPIs of States/UTs will also be made available on the Dashboard itself on their performance towards the vision (stipulates reducing atrocity cases also) of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme which is meant for implementing the PCR Act, 1955 and the POA Act, 1989
A feedback system is available
The concept of a Single Point of contact has been adopted.

National Helpline for SCs/STs will ensure proper implementation of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) [PoA] Act, 1989.
- The PoA Act was enacted with a prime objective view of preventing atrocities on members of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
National Helpline number can be accessed by making a voice call /VOIP either from a mobile or landline number of any Telecom Operator across the country.
National Helpline for SCs/STs will generate informed awareness about the various provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act, 1989 and the Protection of Civil Right (PCR) Act, 1955.
- These legislations are aimed at ending discrimination and providing protection to all.
It will also ensure that every complaint is registered as FIRs, relief is provided, all registered complaints are investigated and all charge sheets filed are prosecuted in the Courts for decision.