The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for another five years.
The scheme will now run from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.
The total financial outlay approved for this extended period is Rs 3,788.04 crore, comprising a Central Share of Rs 2,353.15 crore (funded through the Nirbhaya Fund) and a State/UT Share of Rs 1,434.89 crore.
Key Highlights of the Approved Scheme
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Expansion of Court Coverage: The scheme proposes expanding the network of FTSCs from the current 779 to 850 operational courts, covering additional districts based on case pendency.
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Dedicated Judicial Staffing: Each FTSC will be equipped with one dedicated Judicial Officer, one Special Public Prosecutor assigned exclusively to the court, and six support staff members to accelerate administrative and trial workflows.
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Funding Model: Central assistance will be disbursed to participating States and UTs following the Centrally Sponsored Scheme funding pattern to support operational expenditures.
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Target Beneficiaries: The scheme primarily targets women and children who are victims of rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Scheme Performance and Impact Summary
| Parameter | Details |
| Launch Date | October 2, 2019 |
| Participating States/UTs | 29 |
| Current Functional FTSCs | 779 (including 399 exclusive POCSO Courts) |
| Cases Disposed Since Inception | 4,02,457 |
| Proposed FTSCs (2026–2031) | 850 |
| Approved Extension Period | April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2031 |
Background & Strategic Objective
Launched initially on October 2, 2019, following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and directions from the Supreme Court of India in Suo Motu Writ (Crl) No. 1/2019, the scheme mandates dedicated courts in districts reporting more than 100 pending POCSO cases.
Beyond speeding up trial timelines, the scheme encourages the setup of Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres (VWDCs) and child-friendly court spaces. These facilities are designed to enable victims to testify in a safe, supportive environment without undergoing secondary trauma.
The Department of Justice will oversee implementation alongside State Governments and High Courts, tracking court performance via the centralised FTSC Dashboard and periodic review meetings.
