Punjab govt launches Project Hifazat to safeguard women & children with 24/7 helpline 181, legal support, medical aid, and counseling services.

A significant announcement has been made for the daughters of Punjab. The welfare of women has consistently been a priority for the Bhagwant Mann government of Punjab. The government is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of women and children. The ‘‘Project Hifazat‘ initiated by the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab to safeguard and honor women and children has been established to eliminate the dread that discourages them from reporting violence or harassment.

The Hifazat Project has been initiated.

It offers round-the-clock access to a helpline via the 181 number, thereby alleviating concerns related to domestic violence, workplace harassment, or any other form of abuse. Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur initiated the initiative. The initiative seeks to enhance the response framework for victims of violence against women and children.

The initiative will facilitate prompt access to the victims and establish a comprehensive support system for them. The primary goal is to assist women who are victims of domestic violence, workplace harassment, or any other form of violence, but are unable to articulate their concerns due to fear. All women are required to add the number 181 to the contact list of their mobile phones to ensure immediate access to assistance in case of any violence, without any hesitation.

Punjab must be transformed into a state that is both prosperous and secure. Baljit

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated. M. Mann aspires to transform Punjab into a secure and prosperous state. This is achievable solely if the women of the state are able to exist without fear. Ensuring project safety is a crucial measure in this regard. Project Hifazat has been developed to tackle the issues by enhancing the collaboration and coordination among various departments and agencies. This helpline will offer prompt assistance and appropriate guidance to women and children in distress.

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The contacts shall be categorized into emergency, non-emergency, and informational segments, with emergency cases being promptly redirected to the emergency response support system. The initiative will enhance the collaboration among the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Punjab Police, and the Department of Health and Family Welfare. This collaboration will enable the provision of rescue operations, legal support, medical aid, and psychosocial assistance.

Specialized vehicles will be supplied in each district.

The program will be carried out by district program officers under the oversight of Deputy Commissioners. Specialized vehicles will be allocated in each district to ensure prompt assistance to the victims. Psychological counseling, legal assistance, and rehabilitation services shall be offered through a centralized one-stop center, the district child safety unit, and the district women’s empowerment center in non-emergency situations. The victims will also be notified regarding the shelter homes and various welfare programs. A contemporary control room in Chandigarh will manage call traffic, provide information regarding current programs for women, and compile reports for monitoring and evaluation.

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Helpline contact number provided

The Cabinet Minister urged the public to contact the 181 and 1098 helpline numbers to report any incidents of violence against women and children. By enhancing legal and social support, Project Safe\u091c\u093c will facilitate the enforcement of key legislation such as the Domestic Violence Act and the POCSO Act, contributing to the development of a safer and more equitable society. It serves as an emotional support for every daughter, sister, and mother who continues to live in dread within the shadowed corners of their homes or workplaces.