Sakhi One-Stop centre gets underway in Narsampet

Narsampet (Warangal-R): Narsampet MLA Peddi Sudarshan Reddy inaugurated the Sakhi, One-Stop Crisis Centre for women seeking to redressal of their grievances, here on Wednesday. It may be mentioned here that the one-stop crisis management is an initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development to provide counselling, medical care, treatment, legal assistance, police aid, and a safe shelter for women who become victims of assault or violence.

Speaking on the occasion, the MLA said that Sakhi centres are functioning in all the 33 districts of the State. "Even though there have been measures to empower them, women are a subject of domestic violence and gender-based discrimination. The onus is on every citizen to safeguard the rights and freedom of the women and girls, besides providing them with the moral support," Reddy said. He sought the authorities to ensure ambience for the overall development of the women.

The Warangal Rural District Women, Children, Disable and Old Age Persons Welfare Officer K Chinnaiah said that One-Stop Centre works round the clock with a team of 14 employees to assist the women in distress. He said that the Sakhi centre will provide emergency access to a range of services including medical, legal, psychological and counselling support under one roof to fight against any forms of violence against women. He said that the women in distress could avail services of the centre for free of cost, besides taking shelter.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Phanindra explained the measures taken by the police for the rescue of women in distress. "The SHE teams are playing a vital role in the safety and security of the girls and women," he said. The ACP said that the Sakhi centre would be of immense help to the women facing various forms of violence. He assured of extending full cooperation and support to the Sakhi centre. It may be mentioned here that the Sakhi centre will be looked after by the Sarvodaya Youth Organisation

Narsampet municipal chairperson Gunti Rajani, vice-chairman Munigala Venkat Reddy, Medical & Health Department Superintendent Dr Gopal, District Revenue Officer Hari Singh, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) A Radhika and ACDPO P Vidya, and ICDS Supervisors were among others present.