Srinagar, Jul 24 (KNO): Jammu & Kashmir has four functional Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including two Exclusive POCSO Courts, the Centre informed Parliament on Friday, saying the centrally sponsored scheme has been temporarily extended till September 30, 2026 to ensure speedy trial of rape and child sexual abuse cases.
Replying to a starred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that 775 Fast Track Special Courts, including 398 Exclusive POCSO Courts, are functional across 29 States and Union Territories as of April 30, 2026. The scheme, launched in October 2019, has been extended twice and was last valid till March 31, 2026, before being temporarily extended till September 30 this year.
The minister informed the House that the Centre has released ₹2.32 crore in 2023-24, ₹1.48 crore in 2024-25 and ₹1.74 crore in 2025-26 to Jammu & Kashmir under the Fast Track Special Courts Scheme.
"Since the inception of the scheme, the Centre has released ₹1,259.51 crore to States and UTs for the smooth functioning of FTSCs," the minister said. "The government is also conducting regular review meetings with States, UTs and High Courts to improve case disposal and ensure compliance with timelines prescribed under the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita."
The minister added that recruitment of judges and court staff is the responsibility of the respective State/UT governments and High Courts, while the Centre continues to provide financial assistance for strengthening judicial infrastructure across the country—(KNO)