Imphal, June 23 (EMN): Toll free 24/7 helpline number ‘181’ was formally launched in at DC office Complex, Imphal on Friday for distressed women facing violence in public or private spheres of life with Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen as the chief guest.
In her speech Nemcha said, “The women Helpline is a gift to the women folk of the state to fight against any form of violence against women”.
A toll free 24/7 telecom services will provide assistance to women affected by violence, seeking support and information will be disseminated regarding various women empowerment schemes and programmes related to women empowerment and protection.”
Through the helpline, women from any part of the state will receive immediate medical assistance like the PCR Van or an ambulance, police, legal aid and one stop centre for professional counselling, the Minister added.
At present, there are seven staff engaged on daily wage/casual basic payment and there are also some staff including one Helpline Manager, one Senior Call Responder, four Call Responders, one IT Staff, and one Multipurpose Helper.
The supervisor and three security officials have been designated from the Imphal West Police station.
It may be mentioned that under the sponsorship of Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India, the Centre had launched the 181 helpline number in 2013 after the brutal gang-rape of Nirbhaya in December 2012 and asked all states to start the helpline. Chairperson, Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) Dr. Sobita Devi, Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Manipur JC Ramthanga, IAS, Director Social Welfare, Manipur Jacintha Lazarus, DC Imphal West N Geoffrey attended the launching function.
