Union Ministry Approves 11 New One Stop Centres for Women in Bihar

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd Dec. The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has granted approval to the Bihar government to establish 11 additional One Stop Centres (OSCs) across the state, an official confirmed on Monday. The move aims to enhance support for women affected by violence.

The One Stop Centre (OSC) initiative, launched by the Union Ministry in 2015, offers integrated services for women suffering from violence in both private and public spaces. The new OSCs will be set up in Muzaffarpur, Gaya, East Champaran, West Champaran, Purnea, Katihar, Rohtas, Madhubani, Kaimur, Aurangabad, and Jamui districts. This expansion will bring the total number of OSCs in Bihar to 40, with each of the 11 districts already having one OSC in operation.

Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, Additional Chief Secretary (Social Welfare Department) and Chairperson of the Women & Child Development Corporation (WCDC), emphasized that these centres will provide legal, medical, advisory, and psychological support for women facing violence, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, trafficking, and harassment.

Increased awareness and support from OSCs have contributed to a rise in reported cases of crimes against women in Bihar, according to the state’s Economic Survey report for 2023-24. A total of 8,002 cases were registered in 2022-23, with 6,952 cases disposed of, including domestic violence, dowry abuse, and sexual harassment.