Context:
The extension of the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme till March 2026 aims to ensure speedy and time-bound justice in cases of rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme:
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme led by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
- Background – Established following a 2019 Supreme Court directive aimed at speeding up the resolution of POCSO Act cases
- Objective – To support State Governments in setting up FTSCs nationwide to ensure quick disposal of cases.
- Key Targets –
- A total of 790 FTSCs, including exclusive POCSO courts (e-POCSO), are planned to be operational.
- Each FTSC is tasked with resolving 41-42 cases per quarter or approximately 165 cases annually.
- Timeline – The scheme will run until 2026, backed by a financial allocation under the Nirbhaya Fund.
- Funding Pattern –
- 60% contribution from the Centre and 40% from States/UTs with a legislature.
- For North-eastern and hilly States/UTs, the Centre contributes 90%.
- UTs with legislatures follow a 60:40 ratio, while those without legislature get full central funding.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?
1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000
2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000
3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000
4. All Senior Citizens
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
There is no such provision of free legal aid specifically for OBC. The free Legal Aid is not available for free for all senior citizens.