The government is in the process of amending the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Replying to
supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha, Minister for Social Justice and
Empowerment Mukul Wasnik said the draft has been circulated among all the states. He said the ministry is awaiting the views of half a dozen states in this regard.

He said the Centre attaches utmost importance to protect the lives of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes saying that it is the right of every citizen to live with dignity.

Mr Wasnik said the financial assistance to the victims for their relief and rehabilitation has been increased to 150 per cent.

He said legal aid is also provided to them. The Minister said that his ministry has been asking the states to implement the provisions of the Act
expeditiously.