“Uttar Pradesh’s new emergency helpline aims to enhance women’s safety with 24/7 support, integrating with police, hospitals, and legal services. Backed by the Nirbhaya Fund, it offers rapid response and counseling. However, concerns linger over its effectiveness amid budget cuts and past helpline failures.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Bold Step Toward Women’s Safety with New Helpline
Helpline Overview
The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new emergency helpline under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), accessible via the single number 112, to ensure women’s safety. This initiative, funded by the Nirbhaya Fund, integrates services like police, medical, and legal aid for women in distress. It aims to provide 24/7 support, including crisis counseling and referrals to One Stop Centres (OSCs).
Key Features of the Helpline
The helpline offers a toll-free, round-the-clock service that connects callers to police, hospitals, or District Legal Service Authorities (DLSAs). It includes features like automatic location tracking, SMS alerts, and a mobile app for Android and iOS users. The ‘SHOUT’ feature in the 112 India app is exclusively designed for women to send SOS signals during emergencies.
Integration with Existing Systems
The new helpline merges existing numbers like 1090 (Women Power Line), 181 (Women Helpline), and 108 (medical emergencies) into a unified 112 system. This integration aims to streamline responses and reduce delays. In Uttar Pradesh, response times have improved from 25 minutes in 2017 to under 10 minutes in recent years, showcasing operational efficiency.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its promise, the helpline faces scrutiny. Reports highlight that previous women’s helplines, such as the 181 Women Helpline, suffered from underfunding and inefficiencies, with some describing it as a “broken call-forwarding system.” A proposed 70% budget cut for the Women Helpline under Mission Shakti raises concerns about sustainability and reach.
Support for Women in Distress
The helpline provides psychological counseling and guidance, connecting women to One Stop Centres for comprehensive support, including legal and medical aid. It also disseminates information about government schemes for women, aiming to empower survivors of violence. In 2025, the National Commission for Women (NCW) reported handling thousands of domestic violence complaints, underscoring the need for such services.
Public Response and Awareness
Awareness campaigns are underway to promote the helpline across Uttar Pradesh, with social media and community outreach emphasizing its accessibility. However, posts on X indicate mixed sentiment, with some praising the initiative’s intent but others questioning its execution amid rising crime rates against women.
Broader Context of Women’s Safety in UP
Uttar Pradesh has implemented other safety measures like the Anti-Romeo Squad and Women Power Line 1090 to curb harassment. Yet, incidents like the 2025 Basti district case highlight persistent challenges in ensuring women’s safety, underscoring the helpline’s critical role. The government claims a reduction in crime rates, but data gaps remain.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and public posts on X. Information is sourced from credible platforms like the National Commission for Women, government websites, and media outlets. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources for accuracy.