The government has implemented the schemes of One Stop Centre (OSC) and Universalisation of Women Helpline (WHL) under Nirbhaya Fund with effect from 01.04 2015 for providing assistance to the women facing any kind of violence or in distress. The WHL also provide information about various schemes/ projects/ programmes to assist the women in availing the benefits. The OSC and WHL have been included as components of sub-scheme “Sambal ” of the Umbrella Scheme “Mission Shakti” implemented for safety and empowerment of women during 15^thFinance Commission period.

So far, a total of 816 One Stop Centres have been approved in all 36 States/ UTs, out of which 785 OSCs are operational. Presently, WHL is functional in 35 States/ UTs (Except West Bengal).

1. third party Evaluation Study of Mahila Police Volunteers (MPV) Scheme was conducted by NITI Aayog. Taking into account the findings of the third-party evaluation, past experiences and consultations with States/ Stakeholders, the MPV Scheme has been discontinued with effect from 1^st pril, 2022, while suitably incorporating its appropriate provisions under other components of “Mission Shakti”.

Since inception i.e. from 1st April 2015 to 24^thMay,2024, over 9.19 lakh women got assistance through the One Stop Centres (OSCs) whereas over 1.53 crore calls had been received through the WHL and over 76.02 lakh women assisted across the country.

Under the Nirbhaya Fund, upto the financial year 2023-24, a total amount of Rs.7212.85 Crore has been allocated. The total amount released by the Ministries/ Departments and utilized out of the Nirbhaya Fund since inception is Rs. 5501.48 Crore which is nearly 76% of the total allocation.

This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annapurna Devi in the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question today.

*****

SS/MS

(Release ID: 2039867) Visitor Counter : 1986