Over 6.5 Lakh Calls Received by SC/ST Atrocities Helpline Since 2021, Nearly Half from Uttar Pradesh

NHAA helpline sees large volume of reports, but only 7,135 formally registered as grievances​

New Delhi, May 9 — Since its inception in December 2021, the National Helpline Against Atrocities (NHAA) has received over 6.5 lakh calls concerning atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), with nearly half originating from Uttar Pradesh, according to official data from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Launched by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, the helpline is a 24x7 multilingual service aimed at ensuring effective enforcement of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The platform supports communication in Hindi, English, and regional languages.

Key Figures:​

• Total calls received: 6,56,000+
• Grievances registered: 7,135
• Grievances resolved: 4,314
• Top state by call volume: Uttar Pradesh – 3,33,516 calls
  • Grievances registered: 1,825
  • Grievances resolved: 1,515

State-Wise Grievance Status:​

• Bihar: 58,112 calls | 718 registered | 707 resolved
• Rajasthan: 38,570 calls | 750 registered | 506 resolved
• Maharashtra: 268 registered | 0 resolved
• Goa: 1 grievance | 0 resolved
• Haryana: 392 registered | 379 resolved
• Madhya Pradesh: 1,630 registered | 282 resolved

Other states like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Karnataka also reported significant call volumes, though the grievance resolution rates varied.

Nature of Complaints​

The helpline receives a broad spectrum of concerns including:

• Physical assaults
• Social boycotts
• Caste-based verbal abuse
• Land grabbing
• Denial of public access
• Allegations of police inaction

However, only calls that meet the legal criteria under the SC/ST Act are formally registered. Many are filtered out due to incomplete details or because they do not constitute actionable offences under the Act.

Integrated Digital Platform​

The NHAA also functions as a web-based portal and mobile app, offering:

• Grievance tracking via docket numbers
• User feedback systems
• Performance dashboards for states
• Automated alerts and reminders to ensure compliance and accountability

Authorities are required to follow through with FIR registration, provision of relief, and prosecution, adhering to defined legal timelines.

Empowerment Through Awareness​

Beyond grievance redressal, the NHAA serves an educational role by promoting awareness of rights under the SC/ST Act and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

The initiative marks a significant step toward curbing caste-based discrimination and ensuring justice for marginalised communities across India.