The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for the period from 01 April 2023 to 31 March 2026.

Continuation of the fast track special courts for the next three years will involve a financial implication of Rs 1952.23 crore (Rs 1207.24 crore as the Centre's share and Rs 744.99 crore as the State's share). The central government portion of this scheme is to be financed from the Nirbhaya Fund.

Why the need for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC)?

The government's unwavering priority towards ensuring the safety and security of women and children is evident from several initiatives like the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' programme. Incidents of rape of girls and women have deeply affected the country.
The frequency of such incidents and the long trials of offenders necessitated the establishment of a dedicated court system capable of expediting trials and providing immediate relief to victims of sexual crimes.
As a result, the Central Government enacted the “Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act 2018”, which includes stringent punishment, including death penalty, for rape offenders and enabled the formation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs). Ultimately this scheme was launched on 02 October 2019.
The scheme, initially launched by FTSC for a period of one year in October 2019, was extended for an additional two years till March 31, 2023.
It has now been extended till March 31, 2026 with a financial outlay of Rs 1952.23 crore for the next three years. The Centre's share in this financial outlay will be financed from the Nirbhaya Fund.

Sexual crimes can be curbed by:

Designed as dedicated courts, the FTSCs are expected to ensure speedy justice to sexual offenders while strengthening the preventive framework and providing quick relief to victims.

Expected Results of FTSC Scheme:

Reflects the country's commitment to ending sexual and gender-based violence.
Substantially reduces the pendency of rape and POCSO Act cases, relieving the judicial system of workload.
Reduces caseload to manageable numbers.
Ensures access to justice for victims of sexual crimes through better facilities and speedy trials.
Implemented by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of FTSC encourages State Governments to set up FTSC across the country, thereby ensuring speedy disposal of cases related to rape and POCSO Act.
Presently thirty States/UTs have opened 761 FTSCs including 414 specialized POCSO courts under the scheme. Under this, more than 1,95,000 cases have been settled.