Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | One Stop Centre Scheme, also called Sakhi |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Free medical aid, legal help, police assistance, counselling and shelter for up to five days |
| Who can use it | Any woman, including girls under 18, who has faced violence |
| How it is given | Services provided in person at the centre, no cash payment |
| Reach it at | A Sakhi One Stop Centre in your district, or the police, 112 in an emergency |
| Cost | Free |
Key points
- Services are free and available under one roof.
- Any woman can seek help, whatever her caste, religion, class or marital status.
- Girls under 18 are supported with the help of the Juvenile Justice and POCSO authorities.
- Shelter is temporary, usually up to five days.
So what exactly does a woman get at a centre?
A One Stop Centre offers help under one roof. You do not have to run from office to office.
Services include emergency rescue, medical aid, police assistance, legal aid and psycho-social counselling.
Short-term shelter is available, usually for up to five days. Food, clothing and hygiene items may also be given to women and their children in crisis.
Video conferencing facilities are also available to help women connect with courts and authorities.
Who can use the centre, and who is it for?
The scheme is open to all women who have faced violence, in private or public spaces.
It does not matter what your caste, class, religion, region, marital status or sexual orientation is.
Girls under 18 can also get help. In their case, the centre works with the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act authorities.
This is a central scheme, so it runs across all of India. It is not limited to one state.
Why was this scheme started, and what has changed?
The scheme was launched on April 1, 2015, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
It was set up because women often face stigma, fear of retaliation and complicated legal and health processes when they seek help.
Since 2022-23, the scheme has been merged into the Sambal sub-scheme under Mission Shakti.
New centres are being set up, especially in rural areas. For example, Uttar Pradesh has dozens of centres running and more being built in its districts.
What documents should you keep ready?
You do not need many papers to walk in and ask for help. Safety comes first.
If you have an Aadhaar card, a photo ID, or any police or medical record, carry copies if you can.
Do not delay going to a centre to collect papers. The staff can guide you on what else is needed.
How do you reach a centre, step by step?
Find the nearest One Stop Centre in your district. Check the Women and Child Development Ministry website, or ask your district administration or local police station.
You can walk in directly, without an appointment, at any time of day or night.
In an emergency, call 112 for police help. The police can take you to a centre.
Staff will register your complaint, and a case worker will support you through each step.
- 1Find the nearest centreCheck the WCD Ministry website, or ask your district administration or police station.
- 2Walk in anytimeNo appointment needed. You can walk in directly, at any time of day or night.
- 3Call 112 in an emergencyThe police can take you to a centre.
- 4Staff register your complaintA case worker will support you through each step.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
What if you cannot reach a centre in person?
Some services are also reached through the police, the women's helpline and the district child protection or women's cell.
If you are in danger right now, do not wait. Call 112 first.
Ask the centre or helpline what services are available in your area, because coverage differs from district to district.
Helpline, grievance and important tips
Never pay any agent or person who promises you a quick place or fast action. Services at the centre are free.
Keep a note of the date, time and name of the staff you spoke with.
For official details and updated contacts, visit the Women and Child Development Ministry website at wcd.gov.in.
Amounts, rules and centre locations can change. Please confirm the latest details on the official site or with your district office.
Frequently asked questions
Is the One Stop Centre service free?
Yes, the services at the centre are free for women who have faced violence.
Can a girl under 18 get help?
Yes. The centre works with the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act authorities to support girls under 18.
How long can a woman stay in the shelter?
Shelter is temporary and usually available for up to five days, depending on the situation.
Do I need an appointment to visit a centre?
No. You can walk in directly, and the centre is meant to offer immediate help.
Can I get help if I am not from that state?
Yes. The scheme is a central scheme across India, and any woman can seek help.
Who runs the scheme?
It is run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, and implemented through district authorities.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
