Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen launched a 24X7 toll free helpline number ‘181’ for distressed women facing violence in public or private spheres of life.
The function was held at Kuranga Nayani Hall, D C office Complex, Imphal West jointly organised by Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) and Department of Social Welfare, Manipur under the sponsorship of Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.
On the occasion Nemcha stated, “The Women Helpline is a gift to the womenfolk of the state to fight against any form of violence against women.”
“A toll free 24X7 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,” she said.
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, said the minister who was the chief guest of the function.
The helpline will help prevent crime against women and create awareness in times of need. It will facilitate quick response of various services like lodging police complaint, to provide medical, legal and counselling to women victims.
The Social Welfare Minister called upon the people to cooperate and extend maximum support to operate this helpline in the fully functional manner in the interest of all the women of the state.
At present there are seven staff members engaged on daily wage/casual basic payment and there are also staff including one Helpline Manager, one Senior Call Responder, four Call Responders, one IT Staff member 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 K Sobita Devi, Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Manipur JC Ramthanga, IAS, Director Social Welfare, Manipur Jacintha Lazarus, IAS, DC Imphal West N Geoffrey, IAS graced the function as president, special guest and guests of honour respectively.
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