Quick answer: The Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that funds dedicated courts for rape cases and cases under the POCSO Act, 2012. On 4 November 2026, the Union Cabinet extended it by five years, up to 31 March 2031, with an outlay of ₹3,788.04 crore and a target of 850 courts.
Why the Fast Track Special Courts scheme is in the news
According to PIB, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved the scheme’s continuation for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031 (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31). The previous phase ended on 31 March 2026. The new phase is the longest so far and covers more courts. It will expand the network from 779 working courts to as many as 850, and the additional districts will be picked on the basis of pending rape and POCSO cases.
The Department of Justice, under the Ministry of Law and Justice, implements the scheme with State Governments and UT administrations. The Centre’s share comes from the Nirbhaya Fund.
Key facts about the extended FTSC scheme
- Total outlay: ₹3,788.04 crore.
- Central share: ₹2,353.15 crore, met from the Nirbhaya Fund.
- State/UT share: ₹1,434.89 crore.
- Courts now working: 779, of which 399 are exclusive POCSO courts, in 29 States/UTs.
- Target: up to 850 FTSCs.
- Staff per court: one judicial officer, a dedicated Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff.
- Cases disposed of since 2019: 4,02,457.
- Monitoring: the FTSC Dashboard, progress reports and State expenditure statements.
How the scheme has grown: 2019 to 2031
| Phase | Period | Outlay | Central share | State share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch | From 2 October 2019, initially for one year | Later extended in stages up to 31 March 2026 | ||
| Previous extension | 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026 (3 years) | ₹1,952.23 crore | ₹1,207.24 crore | ₹744.99 crore |
| Current extension | 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031 (5 years) | ₹3,788.04 crore | ₹2,353.15 crore | ₹1,434.89 crore |
In both phases the Centre pays a little over 60% and the States/UTs the rest, and the Central share comes from the Nirbhaya Fund.
Legal background: why these courts were set up
The scheme started on 2 October 2019. It followed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 and Supreme Court directions of 25 July 2019 in Suo Motu Writ (Criminal) No. 1/2019. The Court asked for exclusive special courts in every district with more than 100 pending POCSO cases. That is why some FTSCs hear only POCSO cases while others take both rape and POCSO matters.
The scheme is meant to help the survivor, not only to speed up the docket. It encourages Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres (VWDCs) and child-friendly court spaces, so that survivors can testify with less distress. PIB names women and children who are victims of these offences as the main beneficiaries.
The idea behind fast-track courts rests on the right to a speedy trial. The Supreme Court has read this right into Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty), starting with Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979).
Exam angle: how NDA, CDS and CAPF can ask this
- Polity papers test the type of scheme (Centrally Sponsored, not Central Sector) and the fund that pays for it (Nirbhaya Fund).
- The POCSO Act, 2012 and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 are common statute-and-year questions.
- For the CAPF essay paper, the scheme is a ready example of victim-centric justice reform.
- Article 21 and the right to a speedy trial is a standard fundamental rights question.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The Central share of the Fast Track Special Courts scheme is funded from:
(a) PM CARES Fund (b) Nirbhaya Fund (c) Consolidated Fund of States (d) National Judicial Infrastructure Fund
Answer: (b) — PIB states the Central share comes from the Nirbhaya Fund.
Q2. Up to what date has the FTSC scheme been extended?
(a) 31 March 2028 (b) 31 March 2029 (c) 31 March 2030 (d) 31 March 2031
Answer: (d) — A five-year extension from 1 April 2026.
Q3. How many exclusive POCSO courts are working under the scheme as of November 2026?
(a) 299 (b) 399 (c) 779 (d) 850
Answer: (b) — 399 out of 779 functional FTSCs.
Q4. The Supreme Court directed exclusive POCSO courts in districts with more than how many pending POCSO cases?
(a) 50 (b) 100 (c) 200 (d) 500
Answer: (b) — As per its 25 July 2019 directions.
Frequently asked questions
What are Fast Track Special Courts?
They are dedicated courts, funded under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, that hear only rape cases and offences under the POCSO Act, 2012 so that trials finish faster.
What is the outlay of the extended scheme?
₹3,788.04 crore for 2026-31, with ₹2,353.15 crore from the Centre and ₹1,434.89 crore from States and UTs.
How many FTSCs will function under the new phase?
Up to 850, compared with 779 working at present, including 399 exclusive POCSO courts.
Which ministry runs the scheme?
The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, runs it with State Governments and UT administrations.
When was the scheme launched?
On 2 October 2019, following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 and Supreme Court directions of July 2019.
Also read on NCA: Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) | Monthly defence current affairs PDFs | CAPF coaching in Chandigarh
Sources: PIB Cabinet release, 4 Nov 2026, narendramodi.in on the 2023 extension. Facts as reported up to 7 November 2026.
Featured image background (representative): Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.
