Critical gaps in infrastructure and operations limit support for victims
Key Points:
- One Stop Center operates only 8 hours instead of 24 hours.
- Lack of security, privacy, and basic facilities identified.
- NGO report calls for urgent improvements and government intervention.
JAMSHEDPUR – The One Stop Center (OSC) for women in Jamshedpur’s Sakchi area, established to assist victims of domestic violence and other abuses, faces severe shortcomings in infrastructure and operations. A report by NGO Yuva has revealed critical gaps, including the center’s limited functioning hours, lack of security, and inadequate amenities.
Study Unveils Major Shortcomings
The Sakchi-based center, inaugurated in 2017 at the Red Cross building’s third floor, was initially established with the aim of providing round-the-clock support to women in distress. However, Yuva’s study indicates it currently operates for only 8 hours. Women seeking immediate help outside these hours remain unattended.
Basic infrastructure remains a key concern. The center lacks a lift to access the third floor, making it inaccessible for injured or disabled women. Facilities like operational kitchens, clean water, and proper bedding are missing. Security guards are absent, raising safety concerns for victims seeking shelter.
A member of Yuva remarked, “The OSC was meant to operate 24/7, but it fails to meet its core purpose. Women face hesitation in opening up due to the lack of privacy.”
Lack of Resources and Poor Maintenance
The center, designed to accommodate up to five women at a time, has non-functional computers, phones, and cameras. Staffing is minimal, with only a counselor and a legal volunteer managing cases. Additionally, the staff reportedly faces irregular or no payments.
From 2017 till now, only 200 cases have been registered, involving domestic violence, sexual assault, and property disputes. However, cases related to disability and pregnant women remain absent, indicating gaps in outreach and awareness.
The lack of facilities for children accompanying victims and an unclean environment further undermine the center’s purpose.
Efforts to Address the Issues
The report was presented during a seminar on gender-based violence, organized by Yuva under the leadership of Barnali Chakraborty. Stakeholders, including legal experts, social workers, and educators, attended the event to discuss solutions.
The meeting emphasized approaching the District Commissioner for urgent intervention. Suggestions included engaging companies under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to fund infrastructure upgrades.
Legal volunteer Sunita Singh from DLSA shared her experience of handling cases at the center. “We ensure victims receive legal support, but the lack of resources hampers our efforts,” she noted.
Need for State-Level Action
The state women’s commission, which earlier monitored the center, has remained inactive due to delays in reconstitution. This has further affected the oversight and functioning of OSCs across Jharkhand.
Participants also highlighted issues related to disabled individuals, including the absence of ramps and special toilets in schools, colleges, and administrative offices.
Path Forward
The seminar concluded with a consensus to take collective action. Stakeholders resolved to petition district authorities for better infrastructure and round-the-clock operations at the One Stop Center. The need for enhanced accessibility and privacy for victims remains a priority.
