Punjab Launches ‘Project Hifazat’ to Strengthen Women and Child Safety

In a significant move to enhance the safety and protection of women and children affected by violence, Punjab’s Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, officially launched ‘Project Hifazat’ on Thursday, March 7, 2025. This initiative aims to provide immediate assistance to victims through an integrated 24×7 helpline, coordinated support from various departments, and on-ground response mechanisms.

A Step Towards Ensuring Safety and Empowerment

Addressing the launch event, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the importance of empowering women to report crimes without fear. She urged the women of Punjab to save the emergency helpline number ‘181’ on their mobile phones to seek help during distress situations.

The project is a major step towards ensuring swift action against gender-based violence by integrating government agencies and providing seamless support.

Key Features of ‘Project Hifazat’

1. 24×7 Women and Child Helpline for Immediate Support

Under ‘Mission Shakti’ and ‘Mission Vatsalya’, the project establishes two dedicated helplines:

• Women Helpline: 181 – To address cases of domestic violence, workplace harassment, and other crimes against women.
• Child Helpline: 1098 – To provide assistance to children facing abuse, exploitation, or any form of violence.

These helplines will operate round the clock, ensuring that women and children receive help whenever needed. Emergency cases will be transferred directly to the ‘Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112)’, enabling swift police intervention.

2. Multi-Departmental Coordination for Efficient Action

To enhance the effectiveness of the initiative, ‘Project Hifazat’ will involve coordination between multiple government departments, ensuring a holistic approach to victim support. The key departments include:

• Punjab Police – For immediate law enforcement action and rescue operations.
• Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development – To provide shelter, rehabilitation, and financial assistance.
• Department of Health and Family Welfare – For medical aid, trauma care, and mental health counseling.
• Legal Aid Authorities – To assist victims in filing cases, obtaining protection orders, and navigating legal procedures.

This integrated approach will ensure that victims receive legal, medical, and psychological support without delays.

3. Deployment of Rescue Vehicles for On-Ground Assistance

To strengthen the emergency response system, dedicated rescue vehicles will be stationed in every district. These vehicles will be equipped to:

• Reach distress locations swiftly after receiving calls on the helpline.
• Ensure immediate medical aid and transportation to safe shelters.
• Provide psycho-social support to victims on the spot.

This initiative is aimed at reducing response time and ensuring that victims feel safe and protected in their most vulnerable moments.

4. Monitoring and Supervision for Effective Implementation

The implementation of ‘Project Hifazat’ will be closely monitored at multiple levels:

• Supervision by Deputy Commissioners (DCs) – DCs will oversee execution and ensure coordination among various departments.
• District Program Officers (DPOs) as Nodal Officers – DPOs will be responsible for ground-level operations and response mechanisms.
• State-Level Control Room in Chandigarh – A modern 24×7 control room will be set up in Chandigarh to:
  • Monitor distress calls and response time.
  • Track case resolutions and follow-ups.
  • Provide information on government welfare schemes for women and children.
  • Generate reports for analysis and policy improvements.

By using data analytics and real-time tracking, the project will ensure continuous improvements in safety measures.

Government’s Vision: A Safer Punjab for Women and Children

The Punjab government is committed to making Punjab a safer place for women and children. ‘Project Hifazat’ is a significant step towards eliminating fear, encouraging reporting of crimes, and ensuring immediate action.

With better coordination, emergency response mechanisms, and public awareness, the initiative aims to:

• Increase reporting of domestic violence and abuse cases.
• Ensure fast-track legal and medical assistance to victims.
• Strengthen police response through interdepartmental cooperation.
• Provide a secure environment for women and children across Punjab.

‘Project Hifazat’ marks a milestone in Punjab’s commitment to women’s empowerment and child safety. By integrating technology, government agencies, and public participation, the project is set to create a safer and more responsive ecosystem for victims of violence.

Here is the summarized version of the news in a tabular format: