Yogi govt to enhance safety and care for women with 17 new ‘One Stop Center’ units

Lucknow : In a significant move to enhance the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women, the Yogi Adityanath government is set to establish 17 new ‘One Stop Centers’ across Uttar Pradesh. Being established in close coordination with the central government, these centers are designed to provide immediate relief and holistic support to women affected by violence, underscoring the government’s commitment to accessible and timely assistance for every woman in need.

The expansion reflects a strategic effort to address the needs of Uttar Pradesh’s vast population—ensuring that safety, support, and justice are within reach for women across every district.

The One Stop Center scheme, launched in the financial year 2015-16 with 100% central funding, gained significant momentum after 2017 under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Women and Child Development Department of the state has been running this scheme effectively.

Under this scheme, women victims of violence can access essential services such as short-term stay, medical assistance, counseling, legal aid, and police support, all at a single location. Currently, 79 One Stop Centers are operational across 75 districts of the state, which have provided assistance to more than 2.10 lakh women and girls in need. These centers act as ‘Sankatmochak,’ offering immediate relief while also helping in rehabilitation and social reintegration.

In response to Uttar Pradesh’s large population and growing needs, the Government of India has approved the establishment of 17 additional One Stop Centers. These new centers will be set up in Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bareilly, Kanpur Nagar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Meerut, Gorakhpur, Saharanpur, Jhansi, Agra, and Bijnor.

The establishment of these centers is progressing swiftly, ensuring quick access to assistance for women in need. Furthermore, starting in February 2025, each One Stop Center will be equipped with a vehicle for emergency services, enabling rapid response to critical situations.

The success of the One Stop Center scheme is evident in the impact numbers. More than 2.10 lakh cases have been handled over the past 10 years, providing new hope for thousands of women and girls.

The addition of new units and emergency vehicles will further strengthen the safety net for women, particularly in areas where such services were previously unavailable. Under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, efforts continue to enhance and expand the One Stop Center scheme across the state.