Punjab Launches ‘Project Hifazat’: A Game-Changer in Women and Children’s Safety
Punjab Unveils ‘Project Hifazat’: A 24/7 Support System for Victims of Violence
Chandigarh, March 6 – On the eve of International Women’s Day, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development, launched ‘Project Hifazat’ — a state-of-the-art initiative designed to provide immediate and integrated support to women and children affected by violence. The new initiative aligns with the Punjab government’s mission to ensure the safety and dignity of women and children throughout the state, ensuring timely and coordinated interventions in emergency situations.
During the launch event at MGSIPAP, Sector 26, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the initiative’s primary goal is to eliminate the fear that often prevents women from reporting violence. Whether it’s domestic abuse, workplace harassment, or any other form of violence, Project Hifazat aims to empower victims by offering a 24/7 helpline and streamlined support.
A Strong Support System for Women and Children
Dr. Baljit Kaur addressed the gathering, urging all women in Punjab to save emergency helpline number 181 in their phones. This number will serve as a direct line to the 24/7 Women and Child Helpline, part of the newly launched Project Hifazat. The helpline will provide immediate assistance, ensuring that victims receive help at the earliest possible moment. It will act as a lifeline for those facing emergency or non-emergency situations, offering guidance and resources.
The project aims to break down existing barriers that prevent women from accessing support. Dr. Kaur emphasized, “The fear of further violence, societal stigma, or bureaucratic hurdles often stops victims from reaching out. Project Hifazat will break these barriers by providing a structured, efficient response that offers immediate assistance.”
A Coordinated Approach for Timely Assistance
Project Hifazat operates through interdepartmental coordination, ensuring that victims of violence receive comprehensive support, from emergency rescue operations to medical aid, legal assistance, and psychosocial counseling. By collaborating with various government agencies such as the Punjab Police, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, and District Child Protection Units, the project facilitates a seamless response to cases of violence against women and children.
Dr. Kaur highlighted that while previous initiatives aimed at protecting women and children were significant, challenges remained in terms of timely response. Project Hifazat’s integrated approach is designed to enhance coordination, guaranteeing that no victim is left without support.
Strengthening Legal and Social Support
The 24/7 helpline will be at the core of this initiative, with each call categorized as emergency, non-emergency, or informational. In case of emergencies, the call will be quickly forwarded to the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) for immediate intervention. Non-emergency calls will be directed to One-Stop Centers (OSCs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and District Hubs for Women’s Empowerment for psychological counseling, legal aid, and rehabilitation services.
The program’s success will be overseen by District Program Officers, ensuring the initiative’s smooth operation at the grassroots level. Additionally, the deployment of dedicated vehicles for rescue and outreach activities will enhance the program’s efficiency in addressing victims’ needs in real time.
Addressing Violence Against Women and Children in Punjab
Punjab’s government is committed to tackling the widespread issues of domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence. Dr. Kaur affirmed that Project Hifazat will also help improve the implementation of key laws such as the Domestic Violence Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, thereby fostering a safer and more just society for women and children.
Moreover, the project aligns with the state’s ongoing Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya, which focus on strengthening women’s empowerment and child welfare. These initiatives aim to improve societal attitudes towards gender equality, ensuring that women and children are protected from all forms of violence.
Monitoring and Evaluation for Impact
To ensure accountability and continuous improvement, a state-of-the-art control room in Chandigarh will monitor the traffic of calls to the helpline. The control room will track the response times and outcomes, providing valuable insights for the ongoing evaluation of the program. By generating reports on the effectiveness of the initiative, authorities can make informed decisions to enhance its reach and impact.
A Safer Punjab for Women and Children
Dr. Baljit Kaur stressed that the success of Project Hifazat is vital for realizing Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of transforming Punjab into a progressive, vibrant state. This transformation, she believes, can only be achieved when women can live their lives without fear and with dignity.
She urged citizens to report any cases of violence against women and children by calling helpline numbers 181 and 1098. By strengthening both legal frameworks and social support systems, Project Hifazat aims to build a society where every woman and child can live without the fear of violence, and where their rights are fully protected.