Punjab Government Launches 'Project Hifazat' to Enhance Women and Child Safety.
National
In March 2025, the Punjab Government launched Project Hifazat to safeguard women from violence ahead of International Women's Day on March 8. The project was inaugurated by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development of Punjab in Chandigarh.
- The initiative aims to enhance the response system and create a safer environment for reporting cases of domestic abuse and harassment, with the 181 helpline made easily accessible.
Main Point :- (i) The project focuses on eliminating the fear women have that prevents them from reporting domestic violence, workplace harassment, or other forms of abuse.
(ii) The Women Helpline (181) and Child Helpline (1098) will be available 24/7 under the Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya schemes, ensuring access to both emergency and non-emergency services. Emergency cases will be transferred directly to the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) for immediate action.
(iii) The program encourages collaboration between the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab Police, Women and Child Development, and Department of Social Security, ensuring quick rescue efforts, legal support, medical aid, and psychological and social care for victims.
About Punjab
Chief minister: Bhagwant Mann
Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
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