In a major step towards improving the safety and protection of women and children impacted by violence, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, officially launched ‘Project Hifazat’ on Thursday, March 7, 2025. This initiative is designed to offer immediate support to victims through a comprehensive 24/7 helpline, coordinated assistance from multiple departments, and effective on-ground response strategies.
A Step Towards Ensuring Safety and Empowerment
During the launch event, Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted the crucial need for women to feel safe when reporting crimes. She encouraged the women of Punjab to save the emergency helpline number ‘181’ on their mobile phones for assistance in times of distress.
This project represents a significant advancement in the fight against gender-based violence by bringing together government agencies and offering comprehensive support.
Key Features of ‘Project Hifazat’
1. 24×7 Women and Child Helpline for Immediate Support
Under the initiatives ‘Mission Shakti’ and ‘Mission Vatsalya’, the project introduces two specialized helplines:
• Women Helpline: 181 – This helpline is designed to support individuals facing domestic violence, workplace harassment, and other offenses against women.
• Child Helpline: 1098 – This service aims to assist children who are experiencing abuse, exploitation, or any type of violence.
These helplines will be available 24/7, ensuring that women and children can access help whenever they need it. In emergency situations, calls will be routed directly to the ‘Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112)’, allowing for prompt police action.
2. Multi-Departmental Coordination for Efficient Action
To improve the effectiveness of ‘Project Hifazat’, there will be collaboration among various government departments to ensure comprehensive support for victims. The main departments involved are:
• Punjab Police – Responsible for immediate law enforcement actions and rescue operations.
• Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development – To offer shelter, rehabilitation, and financial aid.
• Department of Health and Family Welfare – For providing medical assistance, trauma care, and mental health counseling.
• Legal Aid Authorities – To help victims with filing cases, securing protection orders, and navigating the legal system.
This coordinated approach will guarantee that victims receive timely legal, medical, and psychological support.
3. Deployment of Rescue Vehicles for On-Ground Assistance
To strengthen the emergency response system, dedicated rescue vehicles will be stationed in every district. These vehicles will be equipped to:
- Reach distress locations swiftly after receiving calls on the helpline.
- Ensure immediate medical aid and transportation to safe shelters.
- Provide psycho-social support to victims on the spot.
This initiative is aimed at reducing response time and ensuring that victims feel safe and protected in their most vulnerable moments.
4. Monitoring and Supervision for Effective Implementation
The implementation of ‘Project Hifazat’ will be closely monitored at multiple levels:
- Supervision by Deputy Commissioners (DCs) – DCs will oversee execution and ensure coordination among various departments.
- District Program Officers (DPOs) as Nodal Officers – DPOs will be responsible for ground-level operations and response mechanisms.
- State-Level Control Room in Chandigarh – A modern 24×7 control room will be set up in Chandigarh to:
- Monitor distress calls and response time.
- Track case resolutions and follow-ups.
- Provide information on government welfare schemes for women and children.
- Generate reports for analysis and policy improvements.
By using data analytics and real-time tracking, the project will ensure continuous improvements in safety measures.
