Policy Update
Arjya Shree Pande
Background
The One Stop Centres (OSCs) for overseas NRI women were approved only in November 2024 and started being established from 2025. These centres represent an extension of India’s domestic One Stop Centre scheme (also known as Sakhi) to support Indian women facing distress abroad. The domestic OSC scheme was launched on 1 April 2015 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) under the Nirbhaya Fund to provide integrated, immediate support under one roof to women affected by violence in private or public spaces (Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2015; Press Information Bureau, 2024).
The need and rationale for overseas centres arose from the specific vulnerabilities of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) women, particularly those abandoned, deserted, or subjected to domestic violence, harassment, or matrimonial disputes by overseas Indian or foreign spouses. Indian Missions and Posts recorded 2,762 complaints of distressed Indian women between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022. Existing mechanisms such as counselling, guidance on legal procedures, 24×7 helplines, Open House meetings, and portals like Mechanism for Assistance, Development and Aid for Diaspora (MADAD) and Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAM) were in place, yet a more structured, multi service facility was required in locations with large Indian diasporas (Ministry of External Affairs, 2023).
In November 2024, the Empowered Committee of the MWCD approved the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) proposal for nine OSCs: seven with shelter home facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Riyadh), and two without shelter homes in Toronto (Canada) and Singapore. Selection criteria were based on the size of the Indian diaspora and the volume of distress cases handled by the respective Missions/Posts. The MEA opened dedicated budget lines for these nine Missions and has since authorised establishment and released funds (Press Information Bureau, 2024; Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Target beneficiaries are Indian women (including girls under 18) facing physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or economic abuse, abandonment, or matrimonial disputes abroad, irrespective of marital status or other socio-economic factors.
Key provisions draw on the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), established in all Indian Missions and Posts and comprehensively revised with effect from 1 September 2017. The revised ICWF guidelines expand support for boarding and lodging, air passage, legal assistance, emergency medical care, transportation of mortal remains, and specifically for Indian women deserted or abused by overseas Indian/foreign spouses (legal and counselling services). Legal panels have been constituted in countries with sizable Indian communities. Funding for the nine OSCs is channelled through MEA budget lines with ICWF support; total appraised cost was approximately ₹40.79 crore (Press Information Bureau, 2024; Ministry of External Affairs, 2017; Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Latest updates include operationalisation of centres (for example, the Singapore High Commission OSC with a dedicated helpline) and progressive fund releases and utilisation across the nine locations, marking the transition from policy approval in late 2024 to on ground implementation (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Functioning
The overseas One Stop Centres (OSCs) operate as integrated support facilities under Indian Missions and Posts, delivering medical aid, legal assistance and advice, psycho-social counselling, temporary shelter (in seven Gulf locations), police facilitation, and emergency response under one roof for distressed Indian women. Access is provided through dedicated helplines, email, walk-in sessions, Open House meetings, and existing channels such as MADAD, CPGRAMS, and 24×7 emergency numbers. Services are means-tested and coordinated with local authorities for repatriation or legal remedies where required (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025; Press Information Bureau, 2024).
Figure 1
Source: Adapted by the author from the Ministry of External Affairs (2025), in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2253.
Figure 1 : Budget Allocated, Released and Utilised Amounts for Overseas One Stop Centres (as of December 2025).
Funding is channelled through dedicated MEA budget lines under the Nirbhaya Fund, with ICWF supplementation. As of late 2025, budgets allocated and fully released totalled several crores across locations (for example, ₹1.13 crore for Dubai, ₹1.38 crore for Singapore, ₹1.88 crore for Kuwait), though utilisation remained low in most cases (ranging from nil in Kuwait to approximately ₹15.4 lakh in Riyadh) (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Implementation status shows progressive operationalisation since 2025, with centres established in Gulf locations (including Muscat, where 88 stranded women workers were housed pending repatriation) and Singapore. Continuous monitoring aims to improve efficiency, yet official data indicate uneven fund utilisation and the relatively recent rollout, pointing to challenges in rapid scaling and full service delivery in the early phase (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025; Ministry of External Affairs, 2026).
Key objectives include delivering integrated emergency and non emergency assistance such as medical aid, legal aid and advice, psycho-social counselling, temporary shelter (where provided), and police facilitation under one roof, thereby enabling timely redressal of violence, abandonment, and related distress while facilitating repatriation or rehabilitation where needed.
Performance
Performance assessment of the One-Stop Centres (OSCs) for overseas NRI women is constrained by their recent approval in November 2024 and operationalisation beginning in 2025. Over the preceding five years, support for distressed Indian women abroad relied primarily on the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) and Mission-level mechanisms, with formal OSC infrastructure emerging only recently (Press Information Bureau, 2024; Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Union Budget documents under the Ministry of External Affairs record a specific “Scheme for Welfare of Women abroad – One Stop Centre” line. Allocations of ₹9.51 crore (Revised Estimates 2025-26) were met from the Nirbhaya Fund, with ₹5 crore budgeted for 2026-27, reflecting formal financial commitment (Ministry of External Affairs Budget documents, 2026). MEA parliamentary data on fund flow for the nine OSCs show full release of allocated amounts, ranging from ₹41.20 lakh in Bahrain to ₹1.88 crore in Kuwait. However, utilisation as of December 2025 remained low ranging from nil in Kuwait to ₹15.42 lakh in Riyadh and ₹12.77 lakh in Muscat indicating an early implementation phase with limited absorption (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Trend analysis from PIB and MEA updates shows a clear progression from ad-hoc ICWF support (following the 2017 revised guidelines) to structured OSC facilities under the Nirbhaya Fund framework. A comparative analysis with the domestic OSC scheme under Mission Shakti reveals a mature domestic model that has assisted over 15.20 lakh women through 991 operational centres by mid-2026. In contrast, the overseas component remains nascent, with continuous monitoring for effectiveness (Press Information Bureau, 2026; Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2026). The sectoral focus on Gulf countries, which host large Indian diasporas and higher volumes of distress cases, aligns with the selection criteria based on diaspora size and case load (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Available government evidence points to expanding institutional coverage and initial operational impact. This progress is tempered by low early fund utilisation and the short time since rollout. Continuous monitoring by the Ministry of External Affairs aims to strengthen delivery and address scaling challenges (Ministry of External Affairs, 2026).
Impact
The One Stop Centres (OSCs) for overseas NRI women aim to deliver integrated, immediate support such as medical aid, legal assistance, psycho-social counselling, and temporary shelter (where available) under one roof to Indian women facing distress abroad, including abandonment, violence, and matrimonial disputes. Given their approval in November 2024 and operationalisation primarily from 2025, a full evaluation of long term impact remains limited; available evidence reflects early outcomes and precursor mechanisms (Press Information Bureau, 2024; Ministry of External Affairs, 2025). Repatriation support was reported in the UAE, where Missions processed formalities for distressed women. These instances indicate progress toward the objective of timely emergency assistance and continuum of care (Ministry of External Affairs, 2026).
While domestic OSCs under Mission Shakti have assisted over 15.20 lakh women through nearly 1,000 operational centres by mid-2026, the overseas component is still in its initial phase. Early fund utilisation remains modest relative to allocations, suggesting scope for accelerated service uptake. Overall, government evidence points to promising initial achievement of core objectives integrated support and repatriation facilitation, while underscoring the need for sustained implementation to realise fuller impact (Ministry of External Affairs, 2026; Press Information Bureau, 2026).
Emerging Issues
Implementation Delays and Scaling Challenges
Parliamentary Committee observations have noted significant delays in operationalising the overseas OSCs. Although discussions between the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of External Affairs began around 2021, formal approval by the Empowered Committee occurred only in October/November 2024, with centres authorised thereafter. This prolonged gap between conceptualisation and rollout limited the timely expansion of structured support in high-need locations (Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs, 2025; Press Information Bureau, 2024).
Financing and Fund Utilisation
Dedicated budget lines under the Nirbhaya Fund have been opened and full allocations released to the nine Missions (ranging from approximately ₹41 lakh to ₹1.88 crore per location). However, utilisation remains low in several centres, with some reporting nil or minimal expenditure as of late 2025. This under-absorption points to challenges in rapid operational readiness, procurement, and service commencement (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Monitoring and Data Gaps
While continuous monitoring by the Ministry of External Affairs is reported, comprehensive, real time outcome data specific to overseas OSCs such as numbers of women assisted by service type, case resolution rates, or feedback remain limited in the public domain. Domestic OSCs benefit from the Mission Shakti Dashboard; a comparable structured MIS for overseas centres is still evolving (Ministry of External Affairs, 2026; Press Information Bureau, 2026).
Institutional Coordination
The dual involvement of the Ministry of External Affairs (implementation through Missions) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (policy approval under Nirbhaya Fund) requires sustained inter-ministerial coordination. Effective linkage with local host-country authorities, legal panels, and ICWF mechanisms is essential but can face jurisdictional and procedural complexities (Press Information Bureau, 2024; Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Inclusion and Coverage Limitations
Centres are currently concentrated in nine locations selected on the basis of diaspora size and case volume, primarily Gulf countries plus Toronto and Singapore. Women in other regions with smaller but significant Indian populations may continue to rely on general Mission services and ICWF support, raising questions of equitable geographic inclusion (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Way Forward
Accelerating Operationalisation and Service Readiness
Building on the authorisation of nine OSCs and the progressive establishment of facilities in Gulf locations and elsewhere, Missions should prioritise full operational readiness, including dedicated staffing, temporary shelter protocols (where applicable), and 24×7 accessibility. Continuous monitoring already underway by the Ministry of External Affairs can be strengthened through time-bound milestones for complete service delivery across all nine centres (Ministry of External Affairs, 2026; Press Information Bureau, 2024).
Strengthening Fund Absorption and Financial Management
With full budget releases already effected under dedicated Nirbhaya Fund lines, Missions may streamline procurement and expenditure processes to improve utilisation rates. Linking OSC operations more closely with the revised Indian Community Welfare Fund guidelines (effective 2017) can ensure flexible, means-tested support for boarding, legal aid, and counselling while maintaining accountability (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025; Ministry of External Affairs, 2017).
Enhancing Monitoring, Data Systems and Accountability
Developing a structured Management Information System comparable to the domestic Mission Shakti Dashboard would enable real-time tracking of cases assisted, service types delivered, and outcomes such as repatriation or legal resolution. Regular Programme Approval Board style reviews and third party evaluations, as undertaken for domestic OSCs, can further strengthen evidence-based improvements (Press Information Bureau, 2026; Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2026).
Deepening Inter-Ministerial and Local Coordination
Closer institutional coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Women and Child Development, alongside strengthened legal panels and partnerships with host country authorities, will improve seamless referral and response. Integration with existing channels such as MADAD, CPGRAMS, and 24×7 helplines can enhance outreach and accessibility for distressed women (Press Information Bureau, 2024; Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Expanding Inclusion and Aligning with National Priorities
Gradual expansion beyond the current nine locations, informed by diaspora size and distress caseloads, would promote greater geographic equity. These centres contribute directly to India’s priorities of women’s safety, diaspora welfare, and gender responsive governance under frameworks such as Mission Shakti and the Nirbhaya Fund, reinforcing the country’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad while advancing inclusive development (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025; Press Information Bureau, 2026).
References
Ministry of External Affairs. (2017). Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) guidelines (revised with effect from 1 September 2017). Government of India. https://www.mea.gov.in/icwf.htm
Ministry of External Affairs. (2023, August 10). Rajya Sabha unstarred question no. 2472: One-stop centres for distressed women abroad. Government of India. https://www.mea.gov.in/rajya-sabha.htm?dtl/36984/QUESTION+NO2472+ONESTOP+CENTRES+FOR+DISTRESSED+WOMEN+ABROAD
Ministry of External Affairs. (2025, December 12). Lok Sabha unstarred question no. 2253: One stop centres abroad. Government of India. https://www.mea.gov.in/lok-sabha.htm?dtl/40452/question+no+2253+one+stop+centres+abroad
Ministry of External Affairs. (2026). Rajya Sabha question no. 2319: Indian women rescued and repatriated (Annexure-I). Government of India. https://www.mea.gov.in/rajya-sabha.htm?dtl/40875/QUESTION+NO+2319+INDIAN+WOMEN+RESCUED+AND+REPATRIATED
Ministry of Women and Child Development. (2015). One Stop Centre scheme. Government of India. https://wcd.gov.in/offerings/one-stop-centre-scheme
Ministry of Women and Child Development. (n.d.). One Stop Centre dashboard. Government of India. https://wcd.gov.in/osc-dashboard
Press Information Bureau. (2024, November 29). Proposals for 9 One Stop Centres for Indian women facing distress abroad approved by the Empowered Committee of Ministry of Women and Child Development (Release ID: 2079042). Government of India. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2079042
Press Information Bureau. (2026, July 24). One Stop Centre provides integrated and immediate support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence and those in distress (Release ID: 2288794). Government of India. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2288794
Union Budget. (2026). Notes on demands for grants 2026-2027: Demand no. 29 – Ministry of External Affairs (Scheme for Welfare of Women abroad – One Stop Centre). Ministry of Finance, Government of India. https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe29.pdf
About the contributor
Arjya Shree Pande is a Research and Editorial Intern at IMPRI. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Sociology and Advanced Post Graduate Diplomas in Communication for Social Behaviour Change, technical support (UNICEF) and Global Politics. She is seeking analytical, policy, or programme oriented roles in international, governmental, or development settings where she wants her experience in research, behavioural insights, and governance expertise can be applied to evidence based decision making, public service delivery, and technology enabled social impact.
Acknowledgments
The author sincerely expresses gratitude to the reviewers ( Himanshi Singh and Ravirala Lahari ), IMPRI India and the editorial team for their valuable comments, constructive suggestions, and continuous guidance throughout the preparation of this article.
Disclaimer
All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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