FTSC Scheme Extended for Five More Years, 850 Courts Planned

• Cabinet approves five-year extension of the FTSC scheme.
• Rs 3,788.04 crore allocated for 2026–27 to 2030–31.
• Number of fast-track courts to increase from 779 to 850.
• 4,02,457 cases disposed of since the scheme’s launch.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Nov: The Union Cabinet has approved a five-year extension of the FTSC scheme for the speedy trial of rape cases and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The scheme will continue from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031, with a total financial outlay of Rs 3,788.04 crore.

The approval, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides for the expansion of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO courts, from the existing 779 to 850 across participating states and Union Territories.

Of the total allocation, the Centre will contribute Rs 2,353.15 crore, while states and Union Territories will provide Rs 1,434.89 crore. The central share will be funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.

Each FTSC will have a dedicated judicial officer, a Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff to facilitate the timely disposal of pending cases. The expansion will prioritise districts based on the pendency of rape and POCSO cases.

The Department of Justice will implement the scheme in coordination with state governments and Union Territory administrations. Its performance will be monitored through the FTSC Dashboard, periodic progress reports, expenditure statements and consultations with High Courts and state authorities.

The scheme also promotes child-friendly and victim-centric court environments, including Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres, to enable victims to give testimony without additional distress.

According to the government, 779 functional FTSCs, including 399 exclusive POCSO courts, are currently operating across 29 states and Union Territories. Since the scheme’s launch on October 2, 2019, these courts have disposed of 4,02,457 cases.

Initially launched following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Supreme Court directions in July 2019, the scheme was designed to ensure time-bound trials of pending rape and POCSO cases. Its latest extension aims to strengthen judicial capacity, reduce case backlogs and improve access to justice for women and children.