Srinagar, Oct. 10 -- A just and inclusive society is built on the assurance that every citizen can live with dignity, equality and security. For the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), this commitment finds concrete expression through strong constitutional safeguards, effective laws and responsive institutions. The Government of India has, therefore, continued to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for preventing atrocities, protecting victims and ensuring timely access to justice.

Two key legislations form the foundation of this framework: the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, commonly known as the PCR Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, popularly known...