The Government of India has approved the establishment of nine One Stop Centres (OSCs) for women facing distress abroad. This initiative was sanctioned by the Empowered Committee of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The OSCs aim to provide crucial support to Indian women in various countries, particularly in the Middle East and select locations worldwide.
Establishment of One Stop Centres
The Ministry of External Affairs has proposed seven OSCs with shelter homes in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, two OSCs without shelter homes will be set up in Toronto, Canada, and Singapore. These centres will serve as vital resources for Indian women in crisis situations.
Indian Community Welfare Fund
The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has been established in all Indian Missions abroad. This fund addresses the needs of Overseas Indian citizens, particularly women. It is designed to meet contingency expenditures for welfare activities on a means-tested basis.
Revised ICWF Guidelines
The ICWF guidelines were comprehensively revised on September 1, 2017. These revisions expanded the scope of welfare activities available to distressed Indian nationals, focusing on women. The guidelines now encompass various forms of assistance, including boarding, lodging, legal aid, and emergency medical care.
Key Areas of Assistance
The ICWF guidelines cover three primary areas – 1. Assistance for Distressed Nationals – This includes support for boarding, lodging, air passage, legal assistance, emergency medical care, and transportation of mortal remains. 2. Community Welfare Activities – These activities aim to enhance the wellbeing of the Indian diaspora. 3. Improvement in Consular Services – Efforts are made to streamline and enhance the services provided to Indian citizens abroad.
Legal Support for Women
The revised guidelines also include provisions for setting up legal panels in countries with Indian populations. This aims to assist women who have been deserted by their overseas Indian or foreign husbands. They can access counselling and legal services through these provisions.
Emergency Assistance
The ICWF also offers assistance to women in distress due to petty crimes. This includes payment of fines or penalties to secure their release from custody. The initiative aims to provide comprehensive support for Indian women facing various challenges abroad.
Community Engagement
The establishment of OSCs and the ICWF reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of Indian women globally. These initiatives encourage community engagement and support for distressed individuals.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the role of the Indian Community Welfare Fund in assisting Indian nationals abroad.
- Discuss in the light of recent initiatives how the Government of India is addressing the welfare of women in distress overseas.
- Critically discuss the importance of One Stop Centres for Indian women facing crises abroad.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by Indian women in foreign countries and the measures taken by the government to mitigate these issues.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the role of the Indian Community Welfare Fund in assisting Indian nationals abroad.
- The ICWF provides financial assistance for welfare activities to Overseas Indian citizens, focusing on those in distress.
- It supports various needs such as boarding, lodging, legal assistance, and emergency medical care.
- Guidelines allow for payment of fines for petty crimes to help secure the release of detained individuals.
- ICWF has expanded its scope to include assistance specifically for Indian women facing domestic issues abroad.
- Established in all Indian Missions, it serves as a vital resource for addressing immediate needs of distressed nationals.
2. Discuss in the light of recent initiatives how the Government of India is addressing the welfare of women in distress overseas.
- The establishment of nine One Stop Centres (OSCs) specifically targets Indian women in distress abroad.
- OSCs provide shelter and support services in several Middle Eastern countries and select international locations.
- Revised ICWF guidelines enhance the range of assistance available, particularly for women facing domestic challenges.
- Legal panels are being set up in countries with Indian populations to provide necessary legal aid.
- Government initiatives aim to create a comprehensive support system to safeguard the rights and welfare of Indian women globally.
3. Critically discuss the importance of One Stop Centres for Indian women facing crises abroad.
- OSCs serve as centralized support hubs, offering immediate assistance to women in crisis situations.
- They provide essential services such as shelter, legal aid, and medical assistance, which are critical in emergencies.
- By being located in key regions, they address the specific needs of women in areas with high Indian populations.
- OSCs encourage a sense of community and belonging, helping women navigate their challenges more effectively.
- The establishment of OSCs reflects the government’s commitment to empowering and protecting Indian women abroad.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by Indian women in foreign countries and the measures taken by the government to mitigate these issues.
- Indian women abroad often face challenges such as domestic violence, abandonment, and legal issues with foreign spouses.
- Examples include cases of women deserted by their husbands in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- The government has established OSCs to provide shelter and support, addressing immediate safety concerns.
- ICWF guidelines allow for legal assistance and counselling, helping women navigate complex legal systems.
- Community outreach and awareness programs aim to educate women about their rights and available resources.
