UPSC Notes

One Stop Centre (OSC)

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

OSCs represent a critical on-ground implementation of women's safety and support initiatives. UPSC focuses on the practical aspects of welfare schemes, convergence of services, institutional collaboration, and addressing gender-based violence.

One Stop Centres (OSCs), also known as Sakhi Centres, are a key component of the 'Sambal' sub-scheme under Mission Shakti, providing integrated support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence and those in distress in both private and public spaces.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Services Provided

Medical aid, legal aid and advice, temporary shelter, police assistance, and psycho-social counselling.

Operational Status

991 operational out of 1033 approved centres across the country (as of June 2026).

Integration

Integrated with Women Helpline (WHL-181), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), and Child Helpline (1098).

Target Beneficiaries

Women affected by violence and those in distress, both in private and public spaces.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSocial Justice & Development

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Women and Child DevelopmentImplements and monitors
State Governments and UT AdministrationsImplements and operates
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)Provides legal aid expertise for capacity building
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)Provides psycho-social counselling expertise for capacity building
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Policy measures

Quick revision

  • Provides integrated support to women affected by violence/distress.
  • Offers medical, legal, temporary shelter, police, and counselling services.
  • Key component of Mission Shakti's 'Sambal' sub-scheme.
  • Integrated with Women Helpline (181), ERSS-112, and Child Helpline (1098).
  • Implemented by States/UTs with 100% central financial assistance for Sambal.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Social Justice & Development

One Stop Centre provides integrated and immediate support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence and those in distress

05 Aug 2026 · One Stop Centres (OSCs) provide integrated support (medical, legal, shelter, counselling) to women affected by violence or distress. As part of Mission Shakti's 'Sambal' sub-scheme, they are operational nationwide and integrated with various emergency helplines.

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Related topics

Current topic

One Stop Centre (OSC)

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on One Stop Centre (OSC) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on One Stop Centre (OSC)

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? 1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs ...

2020·Social Issues & Schemes
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With reference to the National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements : 1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services...

2013·Social Issues & Schemes
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With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
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Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? 1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactatin...

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
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Consider the following statements : Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotiv...

2023·Social Issues & Schemes
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2024·Social Issues & Schemes
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