Approval for 9 Support Centres for Indian Women Facing Distress Abroad
The Ministry of External Affairs has launched an initiative to support women in vulnerable situations. Nine One-Stop Centres (OSCs) will be established globally. Seven centres will be located in the Gulf countries and the remaining two will be in Toronto and Singapore.
Locations of the Centres
The OSCs will provide immediate assistance countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia will each have a centre. Jeddah and Riyadh will host two centres in Saudi Arabia. Toronto and Singapore will have centres without shelter facilities.
Funding and Support
A dedicated budget has been allocated for these centres. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) will support the initiative. The ICWF has been active in Indian missions worldwide, which focuses on aiding Indian nationals, especially women, in distress.
Expanded ICWF Guidelines
The ICWF updated its guidelines in 2017, which includes support for emergency needs. This includes food, temporary housing, and travel for stranded individuals. Legal aid and medical care are also part of the assistance. The fund helps return the remains of deceased individuals to India.
Specific Measures for Women
The ICWF includes measures for Indian women facing challenges abroad. This includes those abandoned by overseas spouses. Legal assistance and counselling are offered to these women. Legal panels are established in countries with large Indian communities. They provide timely help for various issues.
The fund can cover fines for minor legal issues. This helps secure the release of Indian nationals. The initiative aims to alleviate the unique difficulties faced by Indians abroad, particularly women.
Important Facts for Exams:
- One-Stop Centres (OSCs): OSCs provide immediate support for women in vulnerable situations. Seven centres will be established across Gulf countries. Two additional centres will be in Toronto and Singapore.
- Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF): ICWF assists Indian nationals in distress. It focuses on emergency needs like food and housing. The fund has expanded its support since guidelines were updated in 2017.
- Legal Panels: Legal panels support Indian women abroad facing challenges. They provide timely help for legal issues. These panels are set up in countries with large Indian communities.
- Emergency Needs Support: The ICWF addresses various emergency needs. This includes legal aid and medical care. The fund also facilitates the return of deceased individuals’ remains to India.
Month: Current Affairs - December, 2024
Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs