One Stop Centre Scheme

The One-Stop Centre Scheme, also known as Sakhi, is a government initiative aimed at supporting women affected by violence. It provides integrated assistance and redressal to women of all backgrounds who have experienced abuse.

Overview

The One-Stop Centre Scheme, also referred to as Sakhi, is part of the broader National Mission for Empowerment of Women and includes the Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahayog Yojana. Developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), this centrally-sponsored scheme aims to establish one-stop centres nationwide. These centres provide comprehensive assistance to women and help break the cycle of violence, both in private and public spheres.

What is One Stop Centre Scheme?

Gender-based violence in India takes various forms, including domestic and sexual violence, as well as harmful practices like honor killings, dowry-related issues, acid attacks, witch-hunting, trafficking, and sex-selective abortion. These acts strip women and girls of their dignity and well-being, violating their fundamental rights and hindering their growth.

One-Stop Centre Scheme (OSCS) offers support to women who have experienced physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse, regardless of their age, socioeconomic status, educational background, or cultural background. OSCS provides comprehensive assistance, aiming to address violence and discrimination, and empower women to break free from the cycle of abuse.

A Brief Background to the Evolution of One Stop Centre Scheme

The One Stop Centre Scheme has evolved over time to address the needs of women in distress, particularly victims of sexual assault. Here is a brief background of its evolution:

1. Establishment of Nirbhaya Fund: The Nirbhaya Fund was established to enhance the safety and security of women in India. It was named in memory of the Delhi gang rape victim, whose case drew widespread attention and sparked demands for greater women’s safety.
2. Recommendation by 12th Plan Working Group: The 12th Plan Working Group on Women’s Agency and Empowerment recommended the establishment of One-Stop Crisis Centres to provide comprehensive support to women in distress.
3. Usha Mehra Commission Report: In 2013, the Usha Mehra Commission submitted a report highlighting the need for One-Stop Centres, especially at notified hospitals, to provide immediate assistance to victims of sexual assault and violence.
4.  Implementation of the One-Stop Centre Scheme: In 2015, the Indian government implemented the One-Stop Centre scheme to create a network of support centers for women affected by violence. These centres aim to provide a range of services, including medical, legal, psychological, and counselling support.
5.  Phased Establishment of One-Stop Centres: The implementation of One-Stop Centres has been carried out in phases. In Phase I, one centre was established in each state or Union Territory. In Phase II, an additional 150
6. Expansion of One-Stop Centres: As of July 2019, a total of 462 One-Stop Centres have been established across India. States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have the highest numbers of these centres.
7. Financial Support for Rape Victims: The government has allocated a fund of Rs. 74 crores under the Nirbhaya Fund to provide support to rape victims who are minors.
8.  Administration of the Scheme: The Ministry of Women and Child Development is responsible for the budgetary regulation and administration of the One-Stop Centre Scheme at the national level. At the state level, the Department of Women and Child Development oversees the overall direction and implementation of the scheme.

Accessing OSCs

Accessing One-Stop Centres (OSCs) for help in cases of violence against women is straightforward. Ways to seek assistance include:

3. Self-initiated: Women can directly visit OSCs for help.
4. Through a supporter: Victims can receive aid from concerned citizens, family or NGOs.
5. Women Helpline: A helpline integrated with emergency services can be used to report cases. The system generates a Unique ID Number for tracking and quick responses.

Need of One Stop Centre Scheme

The One-Stop Centre (OSC) extends its support to all women, including girls below 18 years, who have been affected by violence, regardless of their caste, class, religion, region, sexual orientation, or marital status. For girls below 18, the OSC will be linked with institutions and authorities established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

To address such violence and assist women in distress, the government has formulated a centrally sponsored scheme known as the One-Stop Centre scheme, which is a sub-scheme of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women. This scheme, funded by the Nirbhaya fund, provides complete financial assistance from the Centre to the States and Union territories.

The scheme undergoes audits in accordance with the norms of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, and civil society groups also conduct social audits to ensure transparency and accountability.

Here’s a brief background on the evolution of the One-Stop Centre scheme:

• The Nirbhaya Fund was established for women’s safety.
• The 12th Plan Working Group on Women’s Agency and Empowerment recommended the establishment of One-Stop Crisis Centres.
• In 2013, the Usha Mehra Commission emphasised the need for One-Stop Centres to aid victims of sexual assault.
• The One-Stop Centre scheme was implemented in 2015.
• One-Stop Centres have been established across the country in phases, with Phase I consisting of one centre per state/UT and Phase II adding 150 additional centres in 2016-17.
• As of July 2019, 462 One-Stop Centres have been set up, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest number (75), followed by Madhya Pradesh (51).
• The government has also allocated ₹ 74 crores from the Nirbhaya fund to support minor victims of rape.

The administration of the scheme involves the Ministry of Women and Child Development at the national level, responsible for budgetary regulation and administration, and the Department of Women and Child Development at the state level, responsible for overall direction and implementation of the scheme.

One-Stop Centre Scheme Objectives

The One Stop Centres (OSC) aim to provide support to women affected by violence in various settings such as private and public spaces, including within the family, community, and workplace. These centres offer assistance and redressal to women who experience physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse, regardless of their age, class, caste, education status, marital status, race, or culture. They cater to women facing violence related to sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, trafficking, honour-related crimes, acid attacks, or witch-hunting. Specialised services are provided to these women who seek help or are referred to the OSC.

The objectives of the scheme are as follows:

• To provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence in both private and public spaces, all in one place.
• To facilitate immediate access to a range of services, including medical, legal, psychological, and counselling support, for emergency and non-emergency situations.
• To combat all forms of violence against women by offering comprehensive support under one roof.

Application Process One-Stop Centre Services

An affected woman can access the One Stop Centre (OSC) through the following means:

• Directly, by reaching out herself.
• Through any person, including public-spirited citizens, public servants (as defined under section 21 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860), relatives, friends, NGOs, volunteers, etc.
• Through the Women Helpline, which is connected with the police, ambulance services, and other emergency response helplines.

Eligibility Criteria for One-Stop Centre Scheme

The One-Stop Centre Scheme provides assistance to women of all ages, both above and below 18 years, whose well-being is at risk due to violence. Regardless of their caste, creed, marital status, religion, or sexual orientation, women from every background can access the benefits of the scheme in times of unfortunate circumstances.

What Are the Benefits of One-Stop Centre Scheme?

The One-Stop Centre Scheme provides an ideal platform for women who have experienced violence, offering various benefits to affected individuals. They can easily access the scheme by personally registering their issues or by appointing a representative. Issues raised by the affected individuals are given the highest priority.

Affected women can seek temporary shelter at the One-Stop Centre for up to 5 days, accompanied by their children. Girls of all ages can stay with their mothers, while boys over eight years of age are not allowed to stay at the centre with their mothers.

Furthermore, affected women will receive essential facilities such as food, medicine, clothing, and basic amenities like sanitary napkins, soap, shampoo, and more.

How to Avail One-Stop Centre Scheme?

An affected woman can access the One-Stop Centre Scheme through the following means:

• Personal Visit: She can directly go to the centre, seek assistance, and lodge complaints.
• Through an Individual: She can reach out to the centre through a community-minded person, relative, friend, NGO, or any other frontline worker acting on her behalf.
• Complaint Lodging: Once an aggrieved woman files a complaint or raises an issue, the concerned authorities such as the DPO/PO/DM/DYSP/SP/CMO of the district or area involved in the matter will be notified.

Additionally, when a distressed woman seeks assistance at the One-Stop Centre either personally or through a representative, the case will be registered in the system following the prescribed format, and a unique ID will be generated immediately.

In summary, the advancement of any society heavily relies on the empowerment of women. However, the bitter reality of Indian culture showcases the persistent discrimination and disregard towards females. The One-Stop Centre Scheme offers vital support to women, helping them combat violence, seek justice, and ultimately empowering them.

Other Government Initiatives for the Empowerment of Women

The Government of India has launched several initiatives to empower women in the country. These initiatives aim to address issues such as gender inequality, violence against women and access to education and healthcare. Here is a list of some of the major government schemes for women’s empowerment in India:

1. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
2. Stand Up India
3. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
4. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban & Rural)
5. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
6. Samagra Shiksha
7. Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship
8. Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojna
9. Swacch Vidyalaya Mission
10. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
11. Working Women Hostel Scheme
12. One-Stop Centre Scheme
13. Women Helpline
14. Mahila Police Volunteers
15. Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK)
16. Swadhar Greh
17. Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP)
18. Ujjwala Yojana

FAQs

What is a one stop Centre?

One-Stop Centres (OSCs) aim to provide support to women impacted by violence in various settings, including private and public spaces, within their families, communities, and workplaces.

How many one stop centres are there in India?

Currently, a total of 733 One-Stop Centres (OSCs) have been sanctioned for 730 districts nationwide. Out of these, 704 OSCs have been operationalised in 35 States/UTs, providing assistance to more than 4.50 lakh women.

From where does the One-Stop Centre scheme get funds?

The One-Stop Centre scheme is a component of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women, along with the Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahayog Yojana. It is funded by the Nirbhaya fund, and the central government provides full financial assistance to the States and Union territories under this scheme.

When was the One-Stop Centre scheme launched?

The One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme has been implemented by the Government of India since April 1, 2015.

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