Posted On December 14, 2021

Helpline available round the clock on toll-free number 14566 across the country in Hindi, English and regional language of States and UTs

The Union Social Justice Ministry on Monday launched a National Helpline Against Atrocities (NHAA) aimed to give more teeth to the laws to prevent atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, including certain and speedy action accused under it.

The Helpline is now available round the clock on toll-free number “14566” across the country in Hindi, English and regional language of the State/UTs.

“The Helpline number will ensure proper implementation of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) [PoA] Act, 1989 and can be accessed by making a voice call/VOIP either from a mobile or land line number of any Telecom Operator across the country,” Union Social Justice Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said after launching the Help Desk.

Also available as a web based self-service portal, the NHAA will generate informed awareness about the various provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act, 1989 and the Protection of Civil Right (PCR) Act, 1955 that are aimed at ending discrimination and provide protection to all.

It will ensure that every complaint is registered as FIRs, relief is provided, all registered complaints are investigated and all chargesheets filed are prosecuted in the Courts for decision — all within the given timelines in the Act.

Some of the key features of the digital platform are: It can be accessed by making a voice call /VOIP on “14566” either from mobile or land line number of any Telecom Operator across the country.

Availability of services : Round the clock. Services would be available in Hindi, English and regional language of the State/UTs.

Grievances redressal: Docket number shall be given for each complaint received from Victim/Complainant/NGOs regarding non-compliance of the PCR Act, 1955 and the POA Act, 1989.

Tracking system: Status of the Grievance can be tracked by complainant/NGOs Online.

Auto compliance of the Acts: Every provision of the Acts related to victim shall be monitored and compliance shall be ensured by triggering communication/ reminders with State/UT implementing authorities in the form of sending messages/e-mails.

The prevention of atrocities Act prohibits discrimination, prevents atrocities and hate crimes against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

Hansraj Suman, chairperson of Delhi University SC, ST and OBC teachers association, said: “The government should do a wide publicity of this helpline so that those who actually need it get to know about it.”