The West Bengal government is set to launch a dedicated 24-hour helpline number for women - 181 - which will be integrated with geo-tagging technology to ensure swift police response. The system will automatically alert the nearest police station about the caller's exact location, enabling officers to reach the spot without delay.
Minister Announces New Initiative
Minister for Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Agnimitra Paul, announced the initiative, highlighting that the state previously lacked such a centralized system. In a video message posted on social media, Paul stated, "Until now, there was no women helpline number. Very soon, we are going to start a women helpline number - 181. If you call this number, immediately through geo-tagging your exact location and spot as to where you are, where you have fallen into trouble will immediately go to the nearest police station."
Women Helpdesks in All Police Stations
The government is establishing dedicated women helpdesks across all police stations in the state to handle these alerts in real time. "Whichever police station you are closest to, the information will reach that police station through geo-tagging," Paul added. This system aims to ensure seamless coordination and rapid response to distress calls.
Ensuring Women's Freedom and Safety
Paul also assured women in Bengal of absolute freedom over their attire, choices, and movement without fear. She stated, "I want to say to all the mothers and sisters of West Bengal, they can go out whenever they want, they can wear whatever clothes they feel like wearing, they can eat whatever food they feel like eating. No one will tell you what you have to wear, what you have to eat, and when it is appropriate to go out and when not. We will not question why women are out after 8 pm."
Women Police Stations in Every Subdivision
After taking charge as minister, Paul announced that each subdivision in the state will have at least one women police station, emphasizing the government's priority on women's safety and security. "It will be ensured that no one can look at all mothers and sisters with an evil eye. The safety and dignity of women is our top most priority. There will be no cover-up of any incident involving misconduct on women," Paul said.
This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing women's safety in West Bengal, leveraging technology to provide immediate assistance and ensuring that women feel secure in their daily lives.
