Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani on Monday said the Centre plans to set up one-stop centres (OSCs) in every district so that women who are in distress and are victims of violence can avail themselves of counselling, medico legal support and support from the police under one roof.
Addressing presspersons here after chairing zonal conferences on the MInistry’s schemes with stakeholders in Bengaluru, the Minister said apart from the 704 OSCs that are currently functional in the country, 300 more OSCs will be set up in districts where the rate of crime against women is high. We have identified 10 countries where OSCs will be set up in association with the Ministry of External Affairs to provide aid to distressed women of Indian origin in those countries.
Over 70 lakh women in distress in the country, who have been victims of violence, have received support through the 704 OSCs so far, she said.
“This is a Government initiative which took into cognisance evolving technologies in crime and that is why crime such as pornography digitally that affects child victims has also been made part of the Centre’s engagement with State Governments. This is with support from the Ministry of Home Affairs,” she said.
“That is why today in our conversation with State Government representatives, we have invited their collaboration on rules which are to be framed under the amendment to the Juvenile Justice Act, which hopes to strengthen and simplify the adoption process in the country. The amended Act will also enable setting up of district wise infrastructure so that our children are better protected,” she said.
Stating that the Union budget this year has allocated 14% more for the needs of women, the Minister said it is the Union Government’s endeavour to make women the central fulcrum of administration. She laid down the details of Poshan Abhiyan 2.0, Mission Vatsalya, Mission Shakti and other initiatives of her Ministry.
