The Sambal sub-scheme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing women’s safety and empowerment in India. It includes several existing schemes and introduces new components to address gender justice. The key elements of the Sambal sub-scheme are outlined below.
One Stop Centres (OSCs)
One Stop Centres provide integrated support services for women. They offer legal counselling, psycho-social support, and information about available resources.
- Current Status – As of September 2022, 801 OSCs have been sanctioned, with 730 operational across the country.
- Future Plans – Under Mission Shakti, an additional 300 OSCs will be established in districts with large geographical areas.
- Role – OSCs will serve as the mainstay for women’s issues at the district level. They will collaborate with District Hubs for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) to enhance coordination and support.
Women Helplines (WHL)
The Women Helpline, operating on the toll-free number 181, serves as an emergency and non-emergency response system.
- Operational Reach – WHLs are functional in 34 States and Union Territories.
- Call Volume – Over 8.2 million calls were handled by WHLs up to September 2022. – Integration with ERSS Under Mission Shakti, WHLs will integrate with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS 112) for a more comprehensive safety network.
- Collaboration – WHLs will work alongside OSCs and other helplines to provide legal and psycho-social support, enhancing their effectiveness.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting the safety and empowerment of women and girls.
- Objective – It seeks to change societal attitudes and cultural norms regarding women.
- Nationwide Expansion – The programme is being expanded to cover all districts in India.
- Skill Development – BBBP will converge with skill development initiatives to further empower women and girls.
Nari Adalat
Nari Adalat is a newly introduced component of the Sambal sub-scheme.
- Purpose – It provides an alternative grievance redressal mechanism for women.
- Structure – Each Nari Adalat consists of 7 to 11 socially respected women from the community.
- Function – They resolve petty grievances, such as harassment and rights violations, encouraging community support for women.
Objectives of the Sambal Sub-Scheme
The Sambal sub-scheme aims to achieve several key objectives.
- Safety and Security – Enhance the safety and security of women in various settings.
- Empowerment – Promote women’s empowerment through access to resources and support services.
- Gender Justice – Facilitate gender justice by addressing grievances and providing legal support.
- Social Change – Encourage a shift in societal attitudes towards women and girls.
Implementation Framework
The Sambal sub-scheme operates within a structured framework to ensure effective implementation.
- Coordination – OSCs and WHLs will serve as coordination points for various services. – Community Involvement
- Local communities will play important role in the functioning of Nari Adalats.
- Government Support – The initiative is backed by government policies aimed at women’s empowerment.
Role of District Hubs
District Hubs for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) are integral to the implementation of the Sambal sub-scheme.
- Function – They coordinate activities related to women’s empowerment at the district level.
- Support Services – DHEWs will facilitate access to OSCs and WHLs for women in need of assistance.
- Community Engagement – They will engage with local communities to promote awareness and support for women’s issues.
Challenges and Strategies
The implementation of the Sambal sub-scheme faces several challenges.
- Awareness – Many women remain unaware of available services.
- Cultural Barriers – Societal norms can hinder women’s access to support.
- Resource Allocation – Ensuring adequate resources for OSCs and WHLs is crucial.
To address these challenges, the following strategies are proposed:
- Awareness Campaigns – Launch campaigns to inform women about available services.
- Community Outreach – Engage local leaders to promote the initiative.
- Monitoring and Evaluation – Regularly assess the effectiveness of services and make necessary adjustments.
Expected Outcomes
The Sambal sub-scheme is expected to yield outcomes over time.
- Increased Access – More women will access legal and psycho-social support.
- Empowered Communities – Communities will become more supportive of women’s rights.
- Reduction in Violence – A decrease in incidents of violence against women is anticipated.
Future Directions
The future of the Sambal sub-scheme looks promising with ongoing initiatives.
- Expansion of Services – Plans to expand OSCs and WHLs will continue.
- Policy Enhancements – Government policies will evolve to better support women’s empowerment.
- Sustainability – Efforts will focus on making initiatives sustainable in the long term.
