Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi made it clear in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that Nirbhaya Fund has not been closed and 49 schemes are currently operating under it. In response to a supplementary question during the Question Hour, he said that there is no shortage of funds in this fund for women safety and the required budget is allocated as per the requirement.
One stop center and women aid
The minister informed that One Stop Center (OSC) is also being operated under Nirbhaya Fund, whose number has reached 812. So far more than 10 lakh women have been assisted through these centers.
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Threatened or afflicted women can live in these centers for the first 5 days.
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This period can be extended for 10 days if needed.
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So far, Rs 7713 crore has been allocated, out of which 76% has been spent.
Cases of domestic violence are also registered
Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur said that cases of other crimes including domestic violence are also registered in forest stop centers. The government plan was to open a center in each district, but now it has been made demand-based. More centers can also be opened as per the requirement.
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A provision of Rs 60 lakh has been made for the construction of new buildings.
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An amount of up to Rs 10 lakh is given for the renovation of old buildings.
What is Nirbhaya Fund?
The Nirbhaya Fund was established in 2013 by the Central Government to ensure the safety of women after the Nirbhaya incident in Delhi in 2012. Under this, financial assistance is provided to various schemes, including:
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Compensation and rehabilitation assistance to sexual violence victims
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One Stop Center (OSC) – where legal, medical and mental health assistance is provided.
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Women’s Helpline (181) – Which is being operated in all states and union territories.
The central government has assured that this fund is fully active regarding women safety and assistance and funds will be released as per the need.
