Annapurna Devi. Photo BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata: When women rise, the country also rises. In a society built on equality and justice, there can be no compromise on the dignity of women. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Government has taken up a comprehensive programme for the safety, security and empowerment of women. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has rightly said, “Our government gives top priority to ‘respect’ and ‘facility’ for women.” These words are not just sentiments, they are the foundation through which the Modi Government has built a strong institutional framework for women’s empowerment in every nook and corner of India.
At the heart of this initiative is the One Stop Centre. So far, 862 OSCs are active across the country, through which more than 12.20 lakh women have received various types of assistance including legal aid, medical aid, police help, shelter and psychological counselling.
Freedom from fear, help from silence – OSCs are the place where healing begins. When a woman is a victim of violence at home, at work or in public, OSCs provide support, dignity and justice. Notably, these centres are located within or near hospitals, ensuring immediate medical attention. Also important is the Women Helpline (181), which ensures 24x7 assistance to women in distress. Over 2.56 crore telephone calls have been dealt with through this helpline in 35 states and union territories and over 93.48 lakh women have been assisted (till September 30).
For procedural accountability and speedy trial, we have set up 745 fast-track special courts, including 404 POCSO courts. Over 3.06 lakh cases have been disposed of through these so far. Every right has been established through every judgment, which is a step towards building a just and gender-equal India.
At the same time, we have set up 14,658 Women Help Desks (WHDs) in police stations. Out of these, over 13,700 help desks are manned by women. These desks instill confidence in women aggrieved parties to file a complaint of crime. The presence of women officers not only instills confidence but also strengthens institutional sensitivity and accountability.
We are preventing human trafficking through 807 Anti-Human Trafficking Units and ensuring safe travel through emergency surveillance in rail and road transport services under the Nirbhaya Fund.
This integrated approach is not limited to action alone, but also extends to prevention, rehabilitation and empowerment. Through initiatives like ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’, we are changing mindsets and providing respect, equality and opportunities. Through PMMVY and Sakhi Niwas, we are creating a system that recognizes the importance of women not just as survivors but also as partners in the progress of the nation. Our Sakhi Niwas hostels provide safe and affordable accommodation to over 26,000 working women.
By launching “Sankalp: Women Empowerment Centres”, we have added a strategic layer of local implementation. Over 27 lakh women have already benefited from these centres. Violence against women is not just a women’s issue, it has become a national concern. The collective commitment of the Ministry of Women and Child Development is to ensure that every woman lives with dignity, safety and pride.
As we enter the golden age of India’s progress and transformation – the Amrit Kaal, women empowerment is not just a goal, but a national goal. Without giving prime importance to women empowerment, the vision of a developed India by 2047 will remain incomplete.
Women Power is not a slogan. It is our strategy. It is our strength. It is our future. As caretakers, changemakers, entrepreneurs and leaders, women are the backbone of a developed India. With every step we are building a stronger, safer, more secure and more inclusive India.
Our journey continues. An empowered woman is a safer place. And with every step we are building a stronger, safer and more inclusive India.
The author is Union Minister for Women and Child Development