Integrated Emergency Number 112 Is Now Live In 20 States

Many of us aren’t really aware of all the emergency helpline numbers. So to help us, Central Government has launched the number 112, with this single emergency number one can get benefit of all the other existing helpline numbers. This number is an integration of Police, Fire, and women helpline numbers. The single number for emergency is similar to the 911 in Unites States.

The announcement of the number 112 was made by Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Of India in February 2019. Himachal Pradesh is the first state to launch this single emergency number. Yesterday, after two months of its initiation, 112 is now live in 20 states which includes Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland.

How Is 112 Beneficial For Women

The 112 India app, provides a ‘shout facility’ especially designed for women, where they can seek help from volunteers who have registered themselves with the state police for the same. There is another unique feature of this helpline. Pressing the power button for three times will activate a panic call to the emergency response system. On normal phones, long pressing 5 or 9 will also activate the panic call. Each call will be recorded with the help of fully automated techniques.

A total of 321.69 crore rupees has been reserved for this emergency helpline number out of which, Rs. 278.66 crore has been allotted by the Nirbhaya Fund. The Nirbhaya Fund was set up by the Central Government to provide special assistance in matters related to women’s safety and protection. A committee of officers, headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development decides as to which projects are to be allotted funds from the Nirbhaya Fund.

What Happens If You Accidentally Call 112?

The number 112 is only for the purpose of emergency services. If a person dials 112 for any other reason, it will be considered as an abuse (if you do it intentionally) of the service and misuse ( if you do it unintentionally). Abuse of 112 is a criminal offence. The police will track down the person who dials 112 through the ERRS. They can then file a report against the person who is misusing the service.

• Abuse Of 112 By Children

Abuse of 112 by children will be reported to their parents. The police will first warn them about the abuse or misuse and then take certain actions.

• Misuse Of 112

There might be cases where the emergency number was dialed accidentally while the phone was in your bag or due to some other issues. In such case, while you receive a message from the concerned authority, who are reaching out for your help, you need to revert back to them immediately.

Read More: Nirbhaya Committee Approves Plan To Set Up 1,023 Fast Track Courts

Anushika Srivastava is an Intern with SheThePeople.Tv