Patna: Union ministry of women and child development (WCD) has given permission to the Bihar govt to open 11 more One Stop Centres (OSCs) in the state, an official said on Monday.
The OSC is a centrally-sponsored scheme launched by the ministry in 2015 to provide integrated support and assistance to the women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces, under one roof in states and Union territories.
An approval letter for operation and establishment of 11 additional OSCs in Muzaffarpur, Gaya, East Champaran, West Champaran, Purnia, Katihar, Rohtas, Madhubani, Kaimur, Aurangabad and Jamui districts was received by the Women and Child Development Corporation (WCDC) of Bihar govt from the Union ministry a few days ago, the official said.
“… There are already 39 OSCs operating in all districts in the state. Patna has two OSCs. Now, the total number of OSCs in the state will be 40. The newly sanctioned 11 centres will soon start functioning,” additional chief secretary (ACS), social welfare department and chairman-cum-managing director, WCDC, Harjot Kaur Bamhrah told PTI.
The additional OSCs will be in addition to the ones already operating in the 11 districts.
“These centres facilitate quick, emergency and non-emergency access to a large number of services, including legal, medical, advisory and psychological support. Women facing any sort of violence due to attempted sexual abuse, sexual harassment, domestic violence, honour-based offences, trafficking, are offered specialised services,” said Bamhrah.
The number of cases registered and disposed of relating to crimes committed against women increased in 2022-23, when compared to previous year, according to Bihar Economic Survey report (2023-24) released by the state govt a few months ago.
“It can be attributed to increased awareness and integrated support provided by the OSC scheme of the government, as many women are coming forward to register cases with the authorities”, she said.
Of the total 8,002 cases registered, 6,952 cases relating to offences against women were disposed of in 2022-23..
“Out of all cases in 2022-23, registration is the highest for domestic violence with 5,615, followed by dowry abuse (708), rape and trafficking case (147), second marriage (71), child marriage (48), mobile/cyber-related crimes (42), sexual harassment at work places (23), and others (1,284). In 2021-22, out of a total of 7,030 cases, 6,002 cases were disposed of,” says the report. PTI