This policy addresses the operationalization, enhancement, awareness, and evaluation of One Stop Centres (OSCs) and Shakti Sadans, initiatives designed to support women in distress. OSCs, a component of the Sambal vertical under Mission Shakti, provide integrated services including medical, legal, and psychosocial assistance, along with temporary shelter and police support, to women affected by violence in both private and public spaces. Implementation is the responsibility of State Governments/UT Administrations, with the Programme Approval Board conducting annual monitoring and progress reviews. The Ministry of Women and Child Development also conducts continuous reviews through meetings, video conferences, and field visits. To expedite the operationalization of new OSCs, establishing centers in rented premises is permitted as an interim measure. The Ministry and State/UT administrations are collaborating to improve the outreach, visibility, and effectiveness of these institutions. Signage templates have been shared for prominent public display, and Women Helpline (WHL) 181 and Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 offer 24/7 toll-free assistance. A NITI Aayog evaluation in Financial Year 2020-21 deemed the relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the OSC scheme satisfactory.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Women and Child Development: The Indian government ministry responsible for policies and programs related to women and children.
One Stop Centres (OSCs): Centres providing integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and in distress.
Shakti Sadans: Institutions that provide support and shelter to women in need of assistance.
Mission Shakti: An umbrella scheme encompassing various initiatives for women empowerment and protection, including the Sambal vertical.
Sambal: A vertical under Mission Shakti that includes the One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme.
State Governments/UT Administrations: The administrative bodies of the States and Union Territories in India responsible for implementing the OSC scheme.
NITI Aayog: A policy think tank of the Government of India, involved in the evaluation of government schemes, including the One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme.
Women Helpline (WHL) 181: A 24x7 toll-free helpline service available to women for information, assistance, and support.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3313
TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.08.2025
ONE STOP CENTRES AND SHAKTI SADANS
3313. SHRI ATUL GARG:
Will the Minister of Women and Child Development be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the steps being taken to ensure that all approved One Stop
Centres (OSCs) become operational to maximize support for women in
distress;
(b) the manner in which the Government proposes to enhance the
resources/services provided at these centres to better assist women affected
by violence;
(c) whether any initiatives have been taken to increase public awareness about
the availability of OSCs and Shakti Sadans among women in need of
assistance, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the manner in which the Government evaluate the effectiveness of the said
centres in providing integrated support/rehabilitation for women in distress
situations?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI SAVITRI THAKUR)
(a) to (d): One Stop Centre (OSC) is a component of the Sambal vertical under the
umbrella Mission Shakti. It provides integrated support and assistance under one roof
to women affected by violence and those in distress, both in private and public
spaces. It provides services like medical aid, legal aid and advice, temporary shelter,
police assistance and psycho-social counselling to needy women.
The implementation of scheme lies with the State Governments/UT Administrations.
Further, once in a year, the Programme Approval Board monitors with States/UTs,
the progress of activities under the scheme and reviews status of achievement of
objectives. Apart from this, officials of the Ministry continuously review the scheme
through meetings, video conferencing and by making field visits to States/UTs from
time to time.For early operationalisation of newly approved OSCs, a provision for starting the OSC
in rented premises has been given as an interim measure. Further, the Ministry of
Women and Child Development, along with State Governments/UT Administrations,
is continuously working to strengthen the outreach, visibility, and effectiveness of the
institutions to ensure that the needy women can access the support of One Stop
Centre and Shakti Sadan. Templates for signage, standees, information boards, and
vehicle branding for One Stop Centres have been shared with States and UTs for
display at prominent public locations. Similarly, Women Helpline (WHL) -181 and
Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)-112 are 24x7x365 toll-free helpline
services readily available to needy women for information, assistance and support
from OSC and Shakti Sadan.
Evaluation of the schemes of the Ministry, including the One Stop Centre (OSC)
Scheme, was conducted during the Financial Year 2020-21 by NITI Aayog. The study
found the relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the schemes as satisfactory.
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