Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 April 2025
As part of the Mission Shakti scheme of the Government of India, the Union Territory Administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is implementing the One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme to support women affected by violence in both private and public spaces. These centres have been established to provide integrated assistance and support to women facing any form of violence, including physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse, irrespective of age, class, caste, education, or marital status.
The One Stop Centres offer a range of essential services under a single roof. These include emergency and non-emergency access to medical aid, legal assistance, psychological counselling, temporary shelter for a maximum period of five days, police facilitation, and other necessary support services. The initiative is aimed at strengthening safety mechanisms and ensuring women receive timely help and redressal in times of distress.
Currently, three One Stop Centres are functioning in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The OSC in South Andaman is located near AYUSH Hospital, Junglighat. In North & Middle Andaman, the centre operates from the Zonal Library Building, Mayabunder. The OSC in Nicobar District is situated at Perka Headquarters. Women in distress can directly approach these centres or be referred by Anganwadi workers, relatives, friends, or public servants. The contact numbers for these centres are: 03192-234221 for South Andaman, 03192-273009 for North & Middle Andaman, and 03193-265141 for Nicobar District.
These centres have played a vital role in handling various cases of violence against women. They have not only provided crucial interventions in serious cases but have also helped resolve minor family disputes amicably. Women from urban, rural, and tribal areas have all benefitted from the services of these centres. The One Stop Centres continue to be a pillar of support for women across the islands, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to gender justice and women’s empowerment.