A pivotal component of this program is the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
In a significant step toward empowering Indian women abroad, the government has approved the establishment of nine One-Stop Centres (OSCs) to assist women facing distress in foreign countries. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and approved by the Empowered Committee of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, aims to provide critical and timely support to women in vulnerable situations.

Comprehensive Global Outreach
The proposed OSCs are strategically located to serve the needs of Indian women across continents. 

Responding to a question in Lok Sabha on Friday (November 29, 2024), Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur said the list includes seven centres with shelter home facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia (with centres in Jeddah and Riyadh). Additionally, non-shelter OSCs will operate in Toronto (Canada) and Singapore. These centres will cater to the immediate needs of women in distress, including legal aid, counselling, and emergency assistance.

To support this initiative, the MEA has introduced a dedicated budget line, ensuring smooth implementation and sustained operation of these centres.

The  Indian Community Welfare Fund
A pivotal component of this program is the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), which has been instrumental in addressing the welfare needs of overseas Indian nationals. Revised in 2017, the ICWF guidelines now encompass a broad range of emergency assistance measures, including:

  • Boarding and Lodging: Temporary accommodation for those stranded abroad.

  • Repatriation Support: Financial aid for air travel and repatriation of mortal remains.

  • Legal Assistance: Specialised provisions for women abandoned by overseas spouses, ensuring access to legal aid and counselling.

  • Medical Care: Emergency medical assistance for Indian nationals abroad.

To enhance legal support, the ICWF has established legal panels in countries with significant Indian diasporas. These panels ensure efficient handling of legal issues and provide financial assistance for minor infractions.

Focus on Women Empowerment
The establishment of OSCs is part of a broader government strategy to empower women, aligning with domestic initiatives implemented by the Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD). The department oversees various schemes and services aimed at uplifting economically and socially disadvantaged women and children in India. Key programs include:

  • Enforcement of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
  • Implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
  • Operation of vocational training centres and short-stay homes for women in need.
  • Welfare measures for widows and women in resettlement colonies.

Through these programs, the government has emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for women, both within India and abroad.

The OSCs address a critical gap for Indian women facing unique challenges in foreign countries. Many women find themselves stranded or abandoned by their spouses, struggling to access legal recourse or support in unfamiliar environments. By offering shelter, counselling, and legal assistance, these centres aim to provide a lifeline to women in distress.

The legal panels established under the ICWF are expected to play a crucial role in mitigating such challenges. For instance, women abandoned by their overseas spouses can now seek immediate assistance through these centres, ensuring their grievances are addressed promptly and effectively.

The government’s decision to prioritise the welfare of Indian women abroad highlights its commitment to inclusive and comprehensive foreign policy. By dedicating resources to support Indian nationals overseas, particularly women, the initiative reinforces India’s image as a nation that values its diaspora and takes proactive measures to protect their rights.

The focus on shelter-inclusive centres in Gulf countries reflects the substantial Indian diaspora in these regions, many of whom are employed in sectors that pose higher vulnerability to exploitation. Meanwhile, the centres in Toronto and Singapore cater to growing Indian communities in North America and Southeast Asia, addressing their unique challenges.
 
The establishment of OSCs is a milestone in India’s efforts to empower women and extend critical services to them on a global scale. By combining domestic welfare initiatives with international outreach, the government aims to create a robust support system for Indian women worldwide.

These centres are expected to become operational in 2025, marking a new chapter in India’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of its women abroad. The collaboration between the MEA and the Ministry of Women and Child Development exemplifies a holistic approach to addressing women’s issues, ensuring no one is left behind.

In addition to providing immediate relief, the OSCs will act as a bridge to long-term solutions, helping women regain stability and rebuild their lives with dignity.