Govt to set up 660 One Stop Centers to offer aid to women affected by violence

New Delhi: Government aims to set up 660 One Stop Centers (OSCs) across the country to offer medical, legal and psychological aid to women affected by violence under a scheme funded by Nirbhaya fund, Lok Sabha was informed on Friday. [caption id=“attachment_2608026” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Maneka Gandhi. AFP[/caption] Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said the scheme was first implemented on 1 April last year when 17 such OSCs were set up in various parts of the country. After the scheme’s successful implementation in the first phase, efforts are on to set up 150 more OSCs in different parts of the country by April 2017, she said, adding “we aim to set up 660 One Stop Centres if it is necessary.” Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour, Gandhi said under the scheme, it has been envisaged to facilitate access to an integrated range of services like medical aid, police assistance, legal aid, psycho-social counseling and temporary shelter to women affected by violence. The management committee headed by the District Collector or Deputy Commissioner of districts are responsible for administration of the centres, she said. The Minister said she would request the Law Minister to set up fast-track courts across the country to take up women related cases.