Minister appeals to all women in the state to save the emergency helpline number 181 in their mobile contacts to tackle emergency situations
The integrated helpline will function through interdepartmental coordination to ensure support for women and children
24×7 helpline launched to provide immediate assistance to women and children
Chandigarh, March 6:
On the eve of International Women’s Day, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, launched ‘Project Hifazat’ today. The initiative aims to strengthen the response mechanism for victims of violence against women and children. Launched under the Punjab government’s mission to ensure the safety and dignity of all, this project will enhance last-mile connectivity with victims and provide an integrated support system.
Addressing the event at MGSIPAP, Sector 26, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the launch of ‘Project Hifazat’ aims to eliminate the fear that prevents women from reporting domestic violence, workplace harassment, or any other form of abuse. She urged all women in Punjab to save the emergency helpline number 181 in their mobile contacts to tackle the emergency situation.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann envisions transforming Punjab into a vibrant and progressive state. She emphasized that this vision can only be realized when women in the state can live their lives without fear. She affirmed that ‘Project Hifazat’ will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Highlighting the need for a well-structured and efficient support system, the Minister noted that despite various initiatives, challenges remain in providing timely assistance. “‘Project Hifazat’ has been designed to streamline coordination among different departments and agencies, ensuring immediate support for victims,” she added.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further elaborated that under Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya, the 24×7 Women and Child Helpline will serve as the backbone of ‘Project Hifazat.’ The helpline will ensure access to both emergency and non-emergency services, providing immediate assistance and guidance to women and children in distress. Calls will be categorized as emergency, non-emergency, or informational, with emergency cases promptly transferred to the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112).
This initiative fosters collaboration among the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab Police, and the Department of Health and Family Welfare. This coordination will ensure seamless intervention for rescue operations, legal assistance, medical aid, and psycho-social support.
Notably, the program will be implemented under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners, with District Program Officers overseeing its execution. To ensure timely assistance for victims, dedicated vehicles will be deployed in each district for rescue and outreach activities.
Non-emergency cases will be directed to One Stop Centers (OSCs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and District Hubs for Women’s Empowerment, where victims can receive psychological counseling, legal aid, and rehabilitation services. Information about shelter homes and welfare schemes will also be provided.
A state-of-the-art control room in Chandigarh will manage call traffic, provide information on women-centric programs, and generate reports for monitoring and evaluation.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of women and children, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “‘Project Hifazat’ ensures that no victim remains unheard or unsupported. This initiative will create a safer environment and empower victims to rebuild their lives with dignity.”
The Minister urged citizens to report any cases of violence against women and children by calling helpline numbers 181 and 1098. By strengthening legal and social support, ‘Project Hifazat’ aims to improve the implementation of key laws, including the Domestic Violence Act and the POCSO Act, ensuring a safer and more just society.
The event was attended by Raji P. Shrivastava, Special Chief Secretary, Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development; Gurdeep Kaur Deo, Special DGP, Community Affairs Division (CAD), Women Affairs, Sheena Aggarwal, Director, Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development; S.P. Singh Colonel (Retd.), General Manager, PESCO; Deputy Directors of the Department, District Program Officers from all districts and other officials and staff members of the department.
