New Delhi, July 24 (IANS): The central government has allocated Rs.18.58 crore for 'One Stop Centres' which are to be set up across the country for women hit by violence, it was announced on Friday.

The amount would come from the Nirbhaya Fund for women.

All the states and union territories have been requested to submit the proposals in order to release funds, Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The first 'One Stop Centre' has been set up in Chhattisgarh's Raipur on July 16.

The scheme envisages establishment of at least one 'One Stop Centre' in each state or union territory in the first phase.

The women and child development ministry has also approved a scheme for universalisation of women's helpline to be funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.

The scheme was exclusively designed to support women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces, including in family, community and workplace.

It will provide 24-hour emergency response to all women affected by violence.