Delhi Government Takes Over Women Helpline 181 from Women’s Commission
The Women and Child Development (W&CD) Department of the Arvind Kejriwal Government is set to manage the Women Helpline number 181, previously handled by the Delhi Women’s Commission. This transition will be completed within two days, ensuring seamless service for women in distress.
In the interim, calls for assistance can be made to 112. The current service provider will inform the public about the change through an IVR statement: ‘Women Helpline-181 is currently in a transition phase. Please call 112 for any assistance.’
Delhi WCD Minister Kailash Gahlot stated, ‘We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of women in Delhi. We aim to provide a more integrated and efficient response to the needs of women in distress.’
He added, ‘Our department has made all necessary arrangements to handle calls effectively and provide timely assistance. I am confident that the Women Helpline number 181 will be operational again within a few days.’
This transition follows a directive from the Government of India, instructing the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi, to manage the Women Helpline-181 as per a letter to the Chief Secretary dated May 4, 2023. As of June 30, 2024, the Women Helpline was operational under the Delhi Women’s Commission.
The Women Helpline number 181 receives approximately 40,000 calls each month. It is a toll-free, 24-hour telecom service providing support and information to women seeking assistance.
