Directs all centres to submit monthly follow-up reports to the Chief Minister’s Office
Orders time-bound monitoring of police action and legal proceedings in POCSO cases while maintaining confidentiality
A woman seeking help must receive not just assistance, but dignity, safety and effective legal support: CM Rekha Gupta
New Delhi, October 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Monday inspected the Sakhi One Stop Centre at Lok Nayak Hospital under the Old Delhi district. She reviewed in detail the facilities available at the centre, the services being provided to women and girls affected by violence, and the overall system for addressing their complaints. The Chief Minister sought details from officials and the centre’s team on the handling of various cases, counselling, police assistance, legal support, medical facilities, temporary shelter and action taken in the cases.
The Chief Minister directed that providing timely, sensitive and dignified assistance to every woman and girl affected by violence must remain the top priority. She said that for a woman who leaves her home in a crisis and reaches the centre seeking help, taking that step is itself significant. Once she reaches the centre, she should be provided a safe and comfortable environment, her concerns should be heard patiently, and immediate assistance should be provided according to her needs.
Integrated Support System Under One Roof
The primary objective of the Sakhi One Stop Centre is to provide comprehensive support to women affected by violence at a single location. Women and girls affected by violence are provided immediate protection, emergency medical examination, psychological and social counselling, free legal consultation and complete assistance in filing an FIR. In times of crisis, women in need are also provided short-term safe accommodation, food, clothing and other basic necessities under one roof.
Under the Sakhi One Stop Centre system, women and girls are connected to assistance through the toll-free women’s helpline 181. Depending on the need, services such as emergency rescue and protection, medical assistance, police support, counselling, legal aid and temporary shelter are provided in an integrated manner.
Monthly Follow-up Reports and Police Coordination
During the inspection, CM Rekha Gupta also reviewed the system for maintaining records of cases received at the centre and their follow-up. She directed that, from now on, detailed monthly reports from all Sakhi One Stop Centres in Delhi be submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office. Merely recording the number of cases will not be sufficient. The report must clearly mention police intimation, the status of the FIR, action taken against the accused and the actual assistance provided to the victim.
If there is any delay or difficulty in obtaining information from the concerned police station, it must be recorded in the report so that such cases can be taken up with senior police officers and resolved promptly, while the victim and her family are kept informed of the latest status of the action being taken.
Special Vigilance and Confidentiality in POCSO Cases
While reviewing POCSO cases involving girls, CM Rekha Gupta directed that records of such highly sensitive cases be maintained separately and with complete confidentiality. Regular and time-bound follow-up of police action, FIRs, the arrest of the accused and subsequent legal proceedings must be ensured. While maintaining confidentiality in cases involving girls, all information should be systematically recorded so that the case is not weakened at any stage.
Counselling Must Focus Not Just on Registering Complaints, but on Finding Solutions
The Chief Minister also took stock of the counselling process at the centre. She said that every case is different, and assistance should therefore be provided according to the needs of the victim. In cases where immediate legal or police action is required, the concerned agencies should be activated without delay. At the same time, where a woman wants to seek a resolution through communication and counselling within the family, her wishes and circumstances should be respected and she should be guided sensitively, with coordination established with the CAW Cell or other relevant mechanisms.
Immediate Shelter, Along with Long-term Arrangements Where Required
CM Rekha Gupta also sought information about the temporary shelter arrangements, food, clothing and other essential items available for women and girls staying at the centre. She directed officials to ensure that women who immediately need a safe place are provided the necessary facilities at the centre. If a case requires long-term shelter, arrangements should be made in coordination with the concerned shelter home. She also reviewed the cleanliness, accommodation, food and basic facilities at the centre and directed that every woman coming there must be provided a safe and dignified environment.
Registering a Case Is Not Enough, the Outcome of the Action Must Also Be Visible
The Chief Minister directed officials that the success of any government system should not be measured only by the number of cases registered, but also by the actual assistance provided to victims and the subsequent action taken in each case. She directed that cases received through Sakhi One Stop Centres be regularly followed up, with effective coordination among the concerned departments and police. Any delay in police action must be clearly recorded and, wherever necessary, brought to the attention of senior officials.
