Panel Says Justice Need a Counselling Session Too, Seeks More Relief for SC/ST Victim.

An internal government task force has recommended a series of amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, including an increase in the relief and rehabilitation amounts mandated for victims of atrocities. The proposed increase is aimed at accounting for inflation and rising costs, ensuring that financial assistance provided to victims and their families remains meaningful in current economic conditions. Counselling for victims and accused Among the task force other recommendations is the introduction of counselling support for victims, their dependents and the accused. The proposal indicates an effort to address the wider social and psychological consequences that can arise from atrocity cases, alongside existing legal and financial mechanisms. The recommendations come within the broader framework of strengthening protections available under the law to members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who face caste- or tribe-based atrocities. NCST seeks protection for tribal livelihoods Separately, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has proposed amendments to the Atrocities Act focusing particularly on the protection of tribal communities facing land alienation. The commission has suggested measures to safeguard the livelihoods of Scheduled Tribe communities whose land has been alienated and who remain involved in prolonged legal disputes to reclaim or protect their property. For affected families, lengthy court proceedings can create financial and livelihood pressures even while the underlying land dispute remains unresolved. The NCST proposal seeks to address this gap by providing greater protection during such legal battles. Concern over counter FIR The NCST has also called for measures to prevent the misuse of counter FIR against people who report atrocity cases to the police. The recommendation reflects concerns that complainants could face additional legal pressure after approaching authorities. Strengthening safeguards around the reporting process could therefore become an important part of any broader reform of the law. A wider push for stronger safeguards Taken together, the task force and NCST recommendations point towards changes extending beyond compensation alone. The proposals cover financial relief, rehabilitation, counselling, protection of tribal livelihoods and safeguards for complainants, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive support system for victims and vulnerable communities. However, any amendments would ultimately need to balance stronger protection for victims with due process and safeguards for all parties involved in criminal proceedings. The recommendations will require further consideration before any proposed changes become part of the legal framework.