Sakhi One Stop Centre Scheme Maharashtra: Empowering Women in Crisis

The Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) in 2015, is a transformative initiative aimed at providing integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and those in distress. Operating under the Nirbhaya Fund, this centrally sponsored scheme addresses gender-based violence by offering a range of services under one roof, including medical aid, legal assistance, psycho-social counseling, police facilitation, and temporary shelter. In Maharashtra, a state with a population of over 120 million and diverse socio-economic challenges, the Sakhi OSC Scheme has emerged as a critical lifeline for women facing physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or economic abuse. This article explores the implementation, services, challenges, and impact of the Sakhi One Stop Centre Scheme in Maharashtra, highlighting its role in empowering women in crisis.

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Background and Objectives of the Sakhi OSC Scheme

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue in India, with Maharashtra being no exception. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-V, 2019-21), approximately three in ten married women aged 18-49 in India have experienced spousal violence, yet 87% of these women did not seek help. In Maharashtra, issues such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking, and honor-related crimes are compounded by urban-rural divides, economic disparities, and cultural norms. The Sakhi OSC Scheme was introduced to address these challenges by creating a safe, accessible, and comprehensive support system for women, irrespective of their age, caste, class, religion, or marital status.

Sakhi One Stop Centre Scheme

The primary objectives of the scheme are:

Integrated Support: To provide a single point of access to services like medical aid, legal support, counseling, and temporary shelter for women affected by violence in private or public spaces.
Immediate and Emergency Assistance: To facilitate prompt response to emergencies, including rescue services, medical examinations, and police assistance.
Empowerment and Redressal: To empower women by offering psycho-social support and legal aid to seek justice and break free from cycles of violence.
Inclusivity: To support all women, including girls under 18, by linking with institutions under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

The scheme operates under the broader framework of Mission Shakti, which focuses on women’s safety, security, and empowerment through convergence with other initiatives like Women Helplines, Anti-Human Trafficking Units, and District Legal Service Authorities (DLSAs).

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What is Sakhi One Stop Centre Scheme?

The Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Nirbhaya Fund, is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at supporting women in crisis across India, including Maharashtra. It provides a single point of access for women affected by violence—whether physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or economic—in both private and public spaces. Operating under Mission Shakti, Sakhi OSCs offer integrated services such as emergency response, medical aid, legal assistance, psycho-social counseling, and temporary shelter, ensuring immediate and comprehensive support. In Maharashtra, these centers are established in districts, often in collaboration with NGOs, and are linked with mechanisms like the Women’s Helpline (181), police, and hospitals to facilitate rescue, medico-legal procedures, and justice delivery.

By addressing the diverse needs of women, including minor girls through coordination with the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act, the scheme empowers survivors to seek redressal and rebuild their lives, making it a vital resource for combating gender-based violence.

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Sakhi One Stop Centre Scheme Highlights

S.No.	Highlight
1	Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Nirbhaya Fund to support women in crisis.
2	Provides integrated services: medical aid, legal assistance, psycho-social counseling, police facilitation, and temporary shelter.
3	Operates 24/7 with access through the Women’s Helpline (181) for immediate assistance.
4	In Maharashtra, 20 OSCs are managed by the Department of Women and Child Development, and 16 by NGOs.
5	Supports all women, regardless of age, caste, class, religion, or marital status, including minor girls via Juvenile Justice and POCSO Acts.
6	Coordinates with 108 ambulance services, police, and hospitals for rescue and medico-legal support.
7	Offers free legal aid through District Legal Service Authorities and empanelled lawyers, with video conferencing for statements.
8	Provides short-term shelter for women and their children, with referrals to Swadhar Greh for long-term needs.
9	Integrates with Mission Shakti initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Nari Adalat for holistic empowerment.
10	Uses the Sakhi Dashboard for case tracking and performance monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability.

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Implementation in Maharashtra

Maharashtra, with its 36 districts, has made significant strides in implementing the Sakhi OSC Scheme. As of 2023, the state has operationalized OSCs in 20 districts directly under the Department of Women and Child Development, while 16 districts have partnered with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as implementation agencies to manage these centers. The first Sakhi OSC in Maharashtra was established in Osmanabad, and the state has since expanded its network to ensure broader coverage.

Each OSC is designed to be a safe and welcoming space, clearly marked with signage reading “Sakhi – One Stop Centre.” These centers are strategically located, often in or near hospitals or administrative complexes, to ensure accessibility. For instance, in Odisha, the first Sakhi Centre was set up in the premises of Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, and similar models are followed in Maharashtra to integrate medical services effectively. In Maharashtra, OSCs are linked with existing mechanisms like the Women’s Helpline (181), police services, and medical facilities to provide seamless support.

Services Provided by Sakhi OSCs in Maharashtra

The Sakhi OSCs offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the immediate and long-term needs of women in crisis. These services include:Emergency Response and Rescue Services:OSCs coordinate with mechanisms like the National Health Mission (NHM), 108 ambulance services, and police PCR vans to rescue women from violent situations and refer them to medical facilities or shelters.

The Women’s Helpline (181) operates 24/7, allowing women or their representatives to seek immediate assistance.

Medical Assistance:

Women are referred to nearby hospitals for medical examinations and treatment, following guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Services include clinical management of rape, emergency contraception, and treatment for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and hepatitis B.
In cases of sexual assault, OSCs ensure medico-legal procedures are followed, preserving evidence and supporting survivors through the process.

Legal Aid and Counseling:

OSCs collaborate with empanelled lawyers and District Legal Service Authorities to provide free legal assistance. Women can choose their own advocates, and OSCs simplify legal procedures, including filing First Information Reports (FIRs) or Non-Cognizable (NC) complaints.
In rape cases, prosecutors are tasked with expediting trials, ideally within two months from the filing of the charge sheet.
Video conferencing facilities are available to record statements, reducing the need for survivors to appear in court repeatedly.

Psycho-Social Support and Counseling:

Professional counselors provide psycho-social support to help women cope with trauma, rebuild confidence, and seek justice. Family counseling is also offered to address domestic violence cases holistically.
This service is critical in empowering women to break free from abusive environments and make informed decisions.

Temporary Shelter:

OSCs provide short-term shelter for women and their children (girls of all ages and boys up to 8 years). For long-term needs, women are referred to Swadhar Greh or Short Stay Homes managed by the government or NGOs.
This service is vital for women escaping domestic violence or those with nowhere else to turn.

Linkages with Other Schemes:

OSCs serve as a hub for convergence with other women-centric initiatives under Mission Shakti, such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Women Helplines, and Nari Adalat, which provides alternative grievance redressal at the gram panchayat level.
For minor girls, OSCs coordinate with authorities under the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act to ensure age-appropriate interventions.

Features of Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme

The Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Nirbhaya Fund, incorporates the following key features to support women in crisis:

Integrated Service Delivery: Provides a single platform offering multiple services, including emergency response, medical aid, legal assistance, psycho-social counseling, and temporary shelter, ensuring comprehensive support for women affected by violence in private or public spaces.
24/7 Accessibility: Operates round-the-clock with access through the Women’s Helpline (181), enabling women or their representatives to seek immediate assistance at any time.
Medical Support: Facilitates medical examinations and treatment through referrals to nearby hospitals, adhering to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines, including clinical management for sexual assault survivors, emergency contraception, and testing for HIV, STIs, and hepatitis B.
Legal Aid and Facilitation: Collaborates with District Legal Service Authorities (DLSAs) and empanelled lawyers to provide free legal assistance, support in filing FIRs or NC complaints, and video conferencing facilities to record statements, reducing the need for court appearances.
Psycho-Social Counseling: Offers professional counseling to help women cope with trauma, rebuild confidence, and make informed decisions, with additional family counseling to address domestic violence holistically.
Temporary Shelter: Provides short-term accommodation for women and their children (girls of all ages and boys up to 8 years), with referrals to Swadhar Greh or Short Stay Homes for long-term needs.
Emergency Response and Rescue: Coordinates with mechanisms like 108 ambulance services, police PCR vans, and National Health Mission to ensure swift rescue and referral to safe spaces or medical facilities.
Inclusivity: Supports all women, regardless of age, caste, class, religion, or marital status, and includes provisions for minor girls through linkages with the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000, and POCSO Act, 2012.
Convergence with Other Schemes: Integrates with Mission Shakti initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Women Helplines, and Nari Adalat for holistic empowerment and grievance redressal.
Monitoring and Accountability: Utilizes tools like the Sakhi Dashboard to track cases, monitor performance, and ensure transparency in service delivery across centers.

These features make the Sakhi OSC Scheme a vital resource for addressing gender-based violence and empowering women in Maharashtra and across India.

Impact of Sakhi OSCs in Maharashtra

The Sakhi OSC Scheme has had a measurable impact in Maharashtra, though data on exact case numbers and outcomes remains limited. The centers have provided critical support to women facing diverse forms of violence, from domestic abuse to trafficking. A notable example from Osmanabad (2019-2022) illustrates the scheme’s potential: a pregnant mother of two, fleeing domestic violence, was referred to an OSC by hospital staff. The center provided shelter, medical care, legal assistance for child custody, and support for funeral services when one of her children passed away. Such cases highlight the scheme’s ability to offer holistic support.

The integration of OSCs with the Women’s Helpline (181) has enhanced accessibility, enabling women across urban and rural Maharashtra to seek help 24/7. The scheme’s inclusivity—supporting women regardless of socio-economic background—has made it a vital resource in a state with significant disparities. Additionally, OSCs have raised awareness about women’s rights and available services, encouraging more women to come forward.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite its successes, the Sakhi OSC Scheme in Maharashtra faces several challenges:

Underutilization of Funds: Between 2015 and 2022, less than half of the funds allocated by the Union Government for OSCs were utilized, partly due to delays in setting up centers. For instance, in some districts, funds were allocated before OSCs became operational, leading to unspent budgets.
Lack of Awareness: Many women, especially in rural areas, are unaware of OSCs or the Women’s Helpline. Limited outreach and coordination with stakeholders like police and community organizations reduce the scheme’s reach.
Staffing and Training Issues: OSCs often face staff shortages and inadequate training, particularly for handling complex medico-legal cases. NGOs managing OSCs, like the Halo Medical Foundation in Osmanabad, have reported challenges in sustaining operations due to lack of support from the Department of Women and Child Development.
Coordination Gaps: Effective coordination with police, hospitals, and DLSAs is critical but inconsistent. In some cases, paralegal volunteers have demanded fees for services meant to be free, undermining trust.
Cultural and Social Barriers: Stigma around reporting violence, particularly domestic abuse, discourages women from seeking help. Rural women, in particular, may face pressure to remain silent due to patriarchal norms.

Recent Developments and Future Directions

As of 2025, Maharashtra continues to strengthen its OSC network under Mission Shakti. The state is working to address funding and staffing challenges by enhancing partnerships with NGOs and improving training programs. The Sakhi Dashboard, an online platform, allows OSC functionaries to track cases and monitor performance, improving transparency and accountability.

Recent visits by officials, such as Dr. V. Suryavanshi, District Collector of Raigad, to Sakhi OSCs indicate ongoing efforts to evaluate and improve services. The integration of OSCs with other Mission Shakti components, like SANKALP: Hub for Empowerment of Women, aims to bridge information gaps and enhance service delivery.

To overcome awareness challenges, Maharashtra could invest in community outreach programs, leveraging local leaders, self-help groups, and media campaigns. Strengthening coordination with police and legal authorities, ensuring consistent funding, and addressing staffing gaps are critical to maximizing the scheme’s impact.

Conclusion

The Sakhi One Stop Centre Scheme in Maharashtra is a beacon of hope for women in crisis, offering a comprehensive and compassionate response to gender-based violence. By providing integrated services under one roof, OSCs empower women to seek justice, heal from trauma, and rebuild their lives. While the scheme has made significant strides, challenges like funding underutilization, awareness gaps, and coordination issues must be addressed to unlock its full potential. As Maharashtra continues to expand and refine its OSC network, the Sakhi Scheme stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to women’s safety and empowerment, paving the way for a more equitable future.

Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme Maharashtra FAQs

Q. What is the Sakhi One Stop Centre Scheme?

The Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Nirbhaya Fund. It provides integrated support to women facing violence or distress, offering services like medical aid, legal assistance, psycho-social counseling, police facilitation, and temporary shelter under one roof.

Q. Who can avail services from Sakhi OSCs?

Any woman, regardless of age, caste, class, religion, or marital status, affected by physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or economic violence in private or public spaces, can access OSC services. Minor girls are supported through linkages with the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000, and POCSO Act, 2012.

Q. What services are provided by Sakhi OSCs?

OSCs offer emergency response and rescue, medical assistance, legal aid, psycho-social counseling, and temporary shelter. They also facilitate police coordination, medico-legal procedures, and referrals to long-term shelters like Swadhar Greh.

Q. How can I contact a Sakhi OSC in Maharashtra?

Women can reach out 24/7 through the Women’s Helpline (181) or visit an OSC, often located in or near hospitals or administrative complexes in districts across Maharashtra.

Q. Are the services at Sakhi OSCs free?

Yes, all services, including medical aid, legal assistance, and counseling, are provided free of cost to ensure accessibility for all women.

Q. How many Sakhi OSCs are operational in Maharashtra?

As of 2023, Maharashtra has 36 OSCs, with 20 managed directly by the Department of Women and Child Development and 16 operated by NGOs.

Q. Can Sakhi OSCs help with legal cases?

Yes, OSCs collaborate with District Legal Service Authorities and empanelled lawyers to provide free legal aid, assist in filing FIRs or NC complaints, and offer video conferencing for recording statements to reduce court appearances.

Q. What happens if a woman needs shelter?

OSCs provide short-term shelter for women and their children (girls of all ages and boys up to 8 years). For long-term needs, they are referred to Swadhar Greh or other government/NGO-run shelters.

Q. How does the scheme support survivors of sexual violence?

OSCs facilitate medical examinations, emergency contraception, and testing for HIV, STIs, and hepatitis B, following Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines. They also ensure medico-legal procedures and legal support for justice.

Q. How is the Sakhi OSC Scheme linked to other initiatives?

The scheme is part of Mission Shakti and integrates with programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Women Helplines, and Nari Adalat to enhance women’s safety, empowerment, and access to grievance redressal.

Q. What should I do if I don’t know where the nearest OSC is?

Call the Women’s Helpline (181) for guidance, or contact the local police or District Women and Child Development office, who can direct you to the nearest OSC.

Q. Are Sakhi OSCs effective in rural areas of Maharashtra?

While OSCs operate in both urban and rural districts, awareness and accessibility in rural areas can be limited. Efforts are ongoing to improve outreach through community programs and coordination with local stakeholders.

Q. How are Sakhi OSCs monitored?

The Sakhi Dashboard, an online platform, is used to track cases, monitor performance, and ensure transparency and accountability in service delivery across OSCs.

Q. Can men or family members seek help on behalf of a woman?

Yes, family members or representatives can contact OSCs or the Women’s Helpline (181) to seek assistance on behalf of a woman in distress.

Q. What challenges do Sakhi OSCs face in Maharashtra?

Challenges include underutilization of funds, lack of awareness in rural areas, staffing shortages, inadequate training, and coordination gaps with police and legal authorities. Efforts are being made to address these issues through training and partnerships.