Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, closely followed by Rajasthan.

A total of 5,711 cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 have been registered in Madhya Pradesh in 2006, while in Rajasthan, the number was 4,877, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.

In Uttar Pradesh, 4,838 cases were registered, 4,579 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,918 in Karnataka, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan said in a written reply.

Northeastern states of Meghalaya and Mizoram registered zero cases of atrocities against SC/STs and similar was the case with Lakshwadeep and Puducherry, she said.

Jagadeesan said that the state governments are reminded from to time to implement provisions of the Act in letter and spirit.

"They are also provided Central assistance, mainly for strengthening of the enforcement and judicial machinery, incentive for inter caste marriages, awareness generation and relief and rehabilitation of the affected persons," she added.