SC/ST atrocities helpline receives 6.5 lakh calls since 2021, highest from UP

New Delhi: Since its launch in December 2021, the National Helpline Against Atrocities (NHAA) has received over 6.5 lakh calls regarding atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), with nearly half originating from Uttar Pradesh.

Of these calls, 7,135 grievances have been officially registered, and 4,314 have been resolved. The helpline operates round the clock in Hindi, English, and regional languages, ensuring the effective implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The complaints cover a range of issues, including assault, social boycotts, caste-based abuse, land grabbing, denial of access to public spaces, and allegations of police inaction in atrocity cases.

"Many of the calls received on the helpline are related to inquiries, requests for legal guidance or reports lacking sufficient details to be registered formally as grievances. Only those calls that pertain to specific incidents of atrocities under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and meet the criteria for legal action are converted into official grievances," a senior official said.

Uttar Pradesh alone accounted for 3,33,516 calls, of which 1,825 were formally registered as grievances and 1,515 have been resolved, according to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Bihar followed with 58,112 calls, with 718 grievances registered and 707 resolved. Rajasthan reported 38,570 calls and 750 complaints, with 506 redressed.

In Maharashtra, 268 complaints were registered but with zero resolution, while Goa saw only one grievance and no resolution.

Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Haryana and Karnataka also saw significant call volumes with varying levels of grievance registration and redress. Madhya Pradesh, for instance, had 1,630 registered grievances, but only 282 were resolved.

In contrast, Haryana showed a high resolution rate, resolving 379 of the 392 complaints it received.

Launched by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar in 2021, the helpline is part of the government's effort to curb caste-based atrocities and ensure timely justice.

The NHAA functions as both a web-based portal and a mobile app, offering features such as grievance tracking, feedback submission, and a state-level performance dashboard. Each complaint is assigned a docket number, ensuring officials follow up on FIR registration, relief provision, and timely prosecution in accordance with legal timelines.

The system also incorporates automated reminders and compliance alerts to enhance accountability among authorities. Additionally, it serves as an awareness platform, educating individuals about their legal rights under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

(inputs from PTI)