UPSC Notes

One Stop Centres (OSCs)

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

OSCs address critical issues of gender-based violence, women's safety, and social justice, demonstrating government intervention and inter-agency coordination in welfare scheme implementation. This is highly relevant for GS1 (Social Issues) and GS2 (Governance, Welfare Schemes).

One Stop Centres (OSCs) are a key initiative under the Indian government's welfare programs for women, designed to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and those in distress. They serve as a crucial mechanism for ensuring immediate access to various essential services under a single roof.

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

Operational since April 1, 2015, with 991 centres operational across the country as of June 2026.

Funding Mechanism

Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the 'Sambal' sub-scheme of Mission Shakti, receiving 100% financial assistance from the Central Government.

Integration

Integrated with Women Helpline (WHL), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), and Child Helpline (1098) for seamless access and coordination.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSocial Justice & Development

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Women and Child DevelopmentNodal ministry, provides financial assistance and monitors the scheme.
State Governments and UT AdministrationsImplement the scheme and operationalize the centres.
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)Engaged for capacity building sessions, particularly psycho-social counselling.
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)Engaged for capacity building sessions, particularly legal services.
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • Integrated support for women affected by violence/distress.
  • Services: medical, legal, shelter, police, counselling.
  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Mission Shakti (Sambal sub-scheme).
  • Operational since 2015, 100% central funding.
  • Integrated with Women Helpline (WHL) and ERSS-112.

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 facing violence or distress. They operate as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Mission Shakti since 2015, with 100% central funding, and are integrated with national helplines.

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Related topics

Current topic

One Stop Centres (OSCs)

Practice writing on this topic

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

UPSC Prelims PYQs on One Stop Centres (OSCs)

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

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenat...

2024·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

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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Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

2023·Social Issues & Schemes
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With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: 1. The families coming under the category...

2018·Economy
Solve

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
Solve

With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct? 1. MPLADS fund...

2020·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

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
Solve

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
Solve

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