Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 April 2025
In a continued effort to support women and children affected by violence, the UT Administration, under the Government of India’s Mission Shakti Scheme, has rolled out the One Stop Centre (OSC) initiative. These centres are designed to offer integrated, immediate, and comprehensive assistance to those facing violence in both private and public spaces. The One Stop Centres provide a range of essential services under one roof, including medical care, legal support, temporary shelter (up to five days), police assistance, and psychological counselling. The initiative aims to create a safe space for women in distress and combat various forms of violence they may face.
Currently, three One Stop Centres are operational across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. One centre is located at Junglighat, near the AYUSH Hospital, serving the South Andaman region. Another centre is situated at the Zonal Library Building in Mayabunder, catering to the North and Middle Andaman area. The third centre is based at Perka Head Quarter in Nicobar. Women in distress can reach out to these centres through dedicated contact numbers for each region. For South Andaman, the contact number is 03192-234221. In North and Middle Andaman, individuals can reach the One Stop Centre at 03192-273009. For the Nicobar region, women in need of assistance can contact 03193-265141. These centres are equipped to provide prompt help and ensure that women have access to the support they require.
In addition to the One Stop Centres, the Women and Child Control Room, operating under the Directorate of Social Welfare at VIP Road, serves as a 24/7 emergency response centre for women and children in distress. This control room runs two dedicated helplines—Women Helpline 181 and Child Helpline 1098—which are available around the clock. These helplines offer immediate assistance to women and children facing violence or any form of distress. The helplines connect individuals with relevant resources, such as police, hospitals, One Stop Centres, and legal services. They also provide information about government schemes and programs for women’s welfare and child protection.
Women and children in distress can call these helplines to access essential services at any time. In addition, women can approach their nearest District One Stop Centre for assistance in addressing grievances, resolving minor family issues, and ensuring safety and security. These services are available not only in urban areas but also in rural and tribal communities. Since the establishment of the One Stop Centres and the helplines, numerous cases have been successfully handled, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of women and children in the region.