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The Ministry of Women and Child Development's Empowered Committee has approved the Ministry of External Affairs' proposal to create nine One-Stop Centers (OSCs) to offer support to women in vulnerable situations.
The Ministry of External Affairs' proposal to establish nine One-Stop Centres (OSCs) aims to provide comprehensive assistance to women in vulnerable situations by addressing their immediate needs and also providing critical support.
Seven One-Stop Centers with shelter homes will be established in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Riyadh). Toronto and Singapore will have One-Stop Centers without shelter home facilities.
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The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) already in operation in Indian Missions and Posts around the world will play an important role in extending welfare to distressed Indian nationals, particularly women by providing emergency services such as boarding, lodging, legal aid, medical care, and return of mortal remains. |
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) launched the One Stop Center (OSC) program, also referred to as Sakhi, as a sub-program of the Umbrella Scheme for the National Mission for Empowerment of Women.
The initiative started in April 2015, and in 2022–2023 it was integrated into Mission Shakti's Sambal sub-scheme.
The scheme is funded by the Nirbhaya Fund, and the Central Government provides 100% financial assistance.
To provide comprehensive support and assistance to women affected by violence in both private and public spaces.
To provide both emergency and non-emergency access to a variety of services, including medical, legal, psychological, and counselling support, all under one roof.
The scheme aims to help all women, including girls under the age of 18, who have been victims of violence. It is open to all women, regardless of caste, class, religion, region, sexual orientation, or marital status.
It provides services to girls under the age of 18, according to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2000 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012.
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Services offer by OSCs |
Emergency response and rescue services are provided through collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM), police (PCR Van), and ambulances for rescue and referral. Medical assistance, including referral to the nearest hospital for medical aid, is provided in accordance with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines. Legal assistance, such as assistance with filing an FIR/NCR/DIR, as well as legal aid provided by appointed lawyers or Legal Service Authorities. Skilled counsellors provide psychosocial support/counselling to women affected by violence. Women and children who have been victims of violence are given temporary shelter. Video Conferencing facility allows for smooth police and court proceedings. |
The OSC is linked to other Nirbhaya Fund initiatives, including Women Helplines, Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), Women Help Desks (WHDs), and Special Fast Track Courts. It works with these mechanisms to provide comprehensive support to women.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Critically analyze the role of the One-Stop Centres (OSCs) in addressing the challenges faced by women. (150 words) |
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