In a significant move towards women’s safety and empowerment, the Government of India has launched “Mission Shakti,” an integrated programme aimed at fostering a conducive environment for women across the nation. The mission, spanning the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26, comprises two sub-schemes – ‘Sambal’ and ‘Samarthya,’ with the One Stop Centre (OSC) serving as a cornerstone of the ‘Sambal’ initiative at the district level.
One Stop Centre: A Beacon of support for women in distress
The OSC scheme, in effect since April 1, 2015, offers a comprehensive range of services under one roof to women affected by violence and in distress. These services include medical aid, legal assistance, temporary shelter, police facilitation, and psycho-social counseling. The establishment of OSCs at the district level has provided a dedicated platform for women to seek assistance and support, filling a crucial gap in the existing support infrastructure.
Expanding Reach and Impact
With 758 OSCs approved for 734 districts nationwide, significant progress has been made in operationalizing these centers. Currently, 708 OSCs are operational in 35 States/UTs, having assisted over 5.40 lakh women as of March 2022. Recognizing the effectiveness of the OSC initiative, the government has pledged to open 300 additional OSCs under Mission Shakti, prioritizing districts with higher rates of crime against women or larger geographical areas.
Government’s Commitment to Women’s Safety
The Central Government’s initiatives, including OSCs, Universalization of Women Helplines (WHL), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), and cybercrime reporting portals, underscore its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of women. These efforts, supplemented by schemes under the Nirbhaya Fund and initiatives by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, aim to address various facets of gender-based violence and provide comprehensive support to women in distress.
Training and Capacity Building
Efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of OSC staff in handling psycho-social and mental health care needs of women facing violence and distress. Initiatives such as the ‘Stree Manoraksha’ project, conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), focus on providing advanced training to OSC staff, further strengthening the support ecosystem for women across the country.
As the government continues its relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment and safety, initiatives like Mission Shakti and the OSC scheme serve as pivotal steps towards creating a safer, more inclusive society for women to thrive and succeed.
