National Helpline Against Atrocities

The Government of India launched the National Helpline against atrocities to prevent atrocities against Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. Also, the helpline will ensure proper implementation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. It was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice.

About the helpline

It is available in Hindi, English and other regional languages.

• The citizens can access the helpline through voice call either from landline number or from a mobile phone.
• The main objective of the helpline is to create awareness about the provisions of the law.
• It aims to end discrimination and provide protection to all.
• The system checks if every complaint is registered as an FIR.  If relief is provided. If all registered complaints are investigated. If all charge sheets or prosecuted in the courts for decision.
• It will also generate awareness about the protection of civil rights act 1955.

Working

A number is to be given for each complaint received from the victim. These complaints are in regard to the non-compliance of prevention of atrocities act. The status of the complaint can be tracked using this number

What is Atrocity in India?

The term atrocity was first defined under the scheduled caste and Scheduled tribe prevention of atrocities act 1989. Till then the Government of India had not given a proper definition to the word atrocity.

The act defines atrocity as follows:

• it is commonly used to refer to the crimes against Scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes in India
• it also includes acts that are shockingly cruel and inhumane.
• It includes offences the committed against the scheduled castes under the Indian Penal Code.
• The crimes which create suffering are also included.
• Denial of access to certain places to get water.
• Forceful drinking, outrage of modesty, annoyance, injury, sexual exploitation, forcing to eat in edible substances
• malicious prosecution
• economic exploitation
• political disabilities
• atrocities that affect residential premises, land and existing properties