Project Hifazat: Punjab Govt Launches 24×7 Helpline 181 for Women and Children's Safety
Dr. Baljeet Kaur reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding the rights of women and children.
Project Hifazat: Punjab Govt Launches 24×7 Helpline 181 for Women and Children’s Safety
With the objective of ensuring the safety of women and children, the Punjab government, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann, continues to implement measures which are focused on protecting their dignity and well-being. The state government has launched Project Hifazat in this direction. This comprehensive initiative aims to prevent domestic violence, workplace harassment, and other forms of abuse against women and children. The project focuses on eliminating the fear that discourages victims from reporting abuse by offering round-the-clock assistance through the dedicated 181 helpline.
Dr. Baljeet Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab, launched the initiative on International Women’s Day. The project will work on reinforcing the state’s response mechanism for cases involving violence against women and children. The aim of the initiative is to ensure safety, dignity, and timely intervention by establishing an integrated support framework for victims. Dr. Baljeet Kaur said that the main objective of the project is to assist women facing domestic violence, harassment at the workplace or any other form of abuse who are unable to voice their concerns due to fear. She urged women to save the 181 helpline number in their mobile phones so that help can be accessed without hesitation whenever required.
The Cabinet Minister said that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann envisions a prosperous and secure Punjab, which can only be achieved when women are able to live free from fear. She highlighted that Project Hifazat will play an important role in realising this vision. She acknowledged that challenges persist despite the existence of multiple welfare schemes and said the project is designed to address gaps by improving coordination among departments and agencies, ensuring victims receive immediate and effective support.
Women and children in distress will be able to receive instant assistance and guidance through the 181 helpline. Calls will be categorised into emergency, non-emergency, and information-related cases. Emergency calls will be promptly forwarded to the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112). The initiative will improve coordination among the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab Police, and the Department of Health and Family Welfare to facilitate rescue operations and to provide legal assistance, medical care, and psychosocial support. Under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners, District Programme Officers will implement the programme at the district level. Dedicated vehicles will be deployed in each district to ensure swift response.
Victims will have access to psychological counselling, legal support, and rehabilitation services through One-Stop Centres (OSCs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and District Centres for Women Empowerment in non-emergency cases. Information related to shelter homes and government welfare schemes will also be provided. A state-of-the-art control room in Chandigarh will oversee call management, disseminate information on women-centric schemes and generate reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
Dr. Baljeet Kaur reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of women and children and said that Project Hifazat ensures no victim feels abandoned or powerless. She further added that the initiative will foster a secure environment and empower survivors to live with dignity.
The Cabinet Minister urged the public to report incidents of abuse against women and children through helpline numbers 181 and 1098. By reinforcing legal and social support mechanisms, Project Hifazat aims to strengthen the enforcement of laws such as the Domestic Violence Act and the POCSO Act and contribute to a safer and more equitable society. Beyond being just a government programme, Project Hifazat gives reassurance for daughters, sisters, and mothers living in fear and offers renewed hope that women in Punjab can live confidently and without intimidation.