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NCW Chief Vijaya Rahatkar Reviews One Stop Centre for Women at Mumbai Hospital

National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar visited the KEM Hospital in Mumbai to review the One Stop Centre for women affected by violence. She interacted with staff and suggested enhancements after inspecting the medical room, counselling room, and temporary shelter. The visit comes amid her recommendation to ban parole for individuals convicted of serious offences against women and children. The NCW may also propose additional safeguards like risk assessment and electronic monitoring for parole decisions.

Key Points: NCW Chairperson Reviews Women’s One Stop Centre in Mumbai

  • NCW Chairperson visits KEM Hospital's One Stop Centre
  • Reviews medical, counselling, and shelter facilities
  • Suggests improvements for service enhancement
  • Recommends parole ban for serious offenders against women and children
2 min read

NCW chief visits Mumbai hospital's One Stop Centre for women victims of abuse​

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar visited KEM Hospital's One Stop Centre for women victims of abuse, reviewed services, and suggested improvements.

"It was satisfying to see the medical room, counselling room, temporary shelter facility, and the overall pleasant environment at the centre. - Vijaya Rahatkar"

Mumbai, May 9

National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar visited the KEM Hospital in Mumbai and reviewed operations of the government-run One Stop Centre meant for women affected by violence, an official said on Saturday.​

During the visit, Rahatkar interacted with the staff and offered suggestions to enhance the Centre's services.​

In a message on social media, the NCW Chairperson said, "Visited the One Stop Centre operating in the KEM Hospital premises at Parel in Mumbai. It was satisfying to see the medical room, counselling room, temporary shelter facility, and the overall pleasant environment at the centre."​

"While reviewing the centre's operations, appropriate suggestions were also given to the concerned officials regarding the resolution of some necessary shortcomings," said Rahatkar after visiting the medical examination room and other facilities.​

One Stop Centres (OSCs) are intended to support women affected by violence, in private and public spaces, within the family, community and at the workplace.​

Women facing physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic abuse, irrespective of age, class, caste, education status, marital status, race, and culture, are facilitated with support and redressal at these government-funded centres.​

Rahatkar's visit to the KEM Hospital's One Stop Centre comes close to her decision to recommend to the Central government a complete prohibition on parole for individuals convicted in cases of rape, aggravated sexual assault, and other serious offences against women and children.​

The proposed recommendations by the Commission may include amendments to prison and parole rules to classify rape, aggravated sexual assault, repeat sexual offences, and serious offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as categories ineligible for parole or temporary release from jail, said an official statement on Friday.​

The Commission may also recommend additional safeguards, including mandatory risk assessment, strengthened police verification, electronic monitoring, and consultation with survivors or their families prior to granting any temporary release.​

Expressing concern over the existing parole framework in the wake of the recent Nasrapur sexual assault case in Pune district, in which a 65-year-old man raped and murdered a four-year-old girl, the NCW Chairperson observed that the Nasrapur incident has raised serious concerns regarding public safety and the confidence of women and girls in society.​

She said that in such cases, the protection, dignity, and security of women and children must remain paramount.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good to see NCW actively visiting and reviewing these centres. But we need more than just visits - we need proper funding, trained counsellors, and awareness in rural areas. Many women don't even know such centres exist. The parole reform is a welcome step, but let's not stop there.
J
James A
Impressive commitment from NCW. The One Stop Centre model could be a game-changer if scaled properly. Having visited similar facilities in other countries, I'd suggest incorporating digital tracking for case progress and more privacy in counselling rooms. Good initiative overall.
A
Ananya R
The Nasrapur case shook me to the core. A 65-year-old man raping and murdering a 4-year-old on parole? Unthinkable. If NCW can push for stricter parole laws for such monsters, we'll all sleep a little better. But also, we need harsher punishments — life imprisonment without parole for such heinous crimes.
K
Kavya N
It's reassuring to see our institutions taking concrete steps. But I wish they had included more psychological support services. Many abuse victims need long-term counselling, not just immediate medical care. Also, the temporary shelter at these centres should be more comfortable and secure. Good start though! 🙏
R
Ravi K
One Stop Centres are a great concept, but in smaller towns they often lack basic facilities. Hope NCW's visit pushes for standardised quality across all centres. And yes, parole for rapists should be banned immediately — common sense says so. Elected leaders must act on this recommendation without delay.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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