The government today said that the rules in the Prevention of Atrocities Act against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will be changed very soon to ensure effective implementation of the law. Replying to a debate in the Lok Sabha on the increasing number of atrocities against SCs and STs, the Home Minister, Mr. P. Chidambaram said that a committee set up by the Social Justice Ministry has also expressed the view that the Act is not as deterrent as it should be and, therefore, there is a need to change the rules. The Home Minister said that the special courts for dealing with such cases should dispose of the case within three to six months. He said that the Centre has also sent an advisory to the state to strictly enforce the Act. He also made an appeal to the executive and judiciary of the states to take special responsibility to ensure speedy justice to the victims. Mr. Chidambaram called upon the state governments to ensure that the victims of atrocities are provided with a relief and are rehabilitated in a proper manner. Replying to questions, Mr. Chidambaram said that the UPA in its last stint cleared 54 thousand cases and if necessary, it will start another special drive to clear the backlog of vacancies reserved for SCs and STs. Mr. Chidambaram said that the manner in which the SCs/STs and minorities and women are treated in our country is shameful and said that everyone should join in the efforts to ensure that at least the coming generation does not have to suffer. Earlier, cutting across party lines, members said that the atrocities against the SCs/STs are increasing and wanted stricter laws to deal with such cases. Some of the members were of the view that the National Commission for SC/STs should be given statutory powers for it to become more effective.