ONE STOP CENTRE (OSC)

The One Stop Centre (OSC) is a centrally sponsored initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, aimed at providing integrated support to women affected by violence under one roof.

The scheme was launched in 2015 as part of the Nirbhaya Fund framework and has since been subsumed under Mission Shakti (from 2021–22) under ministry of women and child development to strengthen women’s safety, security, and empowerment through a unified approach.

Objective of One Stop Centre

• To provide immediate, emergency, and long-term assistance to women affected by violence.
• To ensure access to justice, healthcare, counselling, and rehabilitation at a single location.
• To reduce trauma, delays, and procedural barriers faced by survivors.
• To restore dignity, confidence, and safety of women.

Beneficiaries

OSC services are available to:

• Women above 18 years of age
• Women affected by:
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual assault
  • Attempted rape
  • Acid attack
  • Trafficking
  • Emotional or economic abuse
• Women from all backgrounds, irrespective of caste, class, religion, or marital status

5. Services Provided at OSC

1- Emergency & Rescue Support

• Immediate crisis intervention
• Safe rescue and coordination with police

2- Medical Assistance

• Emergency treatment
• Medico-legal examination
• Hospital referral if required

3- Legal Aid & Police Assistance

• FIR registration support
• Legal counselling and court assistance
• Help in protection orders, maintenance, and custody cases

4- Psycho-Social Counselling

• Trauma counselling
• Mental health support
• Emotional rehabilitation

5- Temporary Shelter

• Short-term safe accommodation (up to 5 days)
• Food, clothing, and basic necessities
• Linkage to long-term shelter homes if needed

6. How OSC Functions

1. Woman approaches OSC directly or via Women Helpline (181), police, hospital, or NGO
2. Immediate needs assessment
3. Provision of medical, legal, shelter, and counselling support
4. Preparation of rehabilitation and reintegration plan
5. Follow-up and monitoring by district authorities

7. Institutional Setup

• Located mainly at district headquarters or hospitals
• Implemented by State/District Women & Child Development Departments
• Staffed with:
  • Centre Administrator
  • Case Worker
  • Counsellor
  • Legal Expert
  • Paramedical staff

8. Funding Pattern

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• Funded under Mission Shakti – Sambal
• Cost sharing:
  • 60:40 (Centre : State)
  • 90:10 for NE & Himalayan States
  • 100% for UTs without legislature

9. Importance of One Stop Centre

• Provides holistic care under one roof
• Prevents secondary victimisation
• Ensures quick response and justice
• Acts as a lifeline for women in distress

Beneficiaries of One Stop Centres (OSC)

• Over 10.98 lakh women have been assisted across India by OSCs since their inception in April 2015 up to February 2025.
• As of October 31, 2024, over 10.12 lakh women had received integrated support from operational OSCs nationwide.
• There are 819 operational One Stop Centres across the country (of the 908 approved) providing services to women.