112 – Single helpline number launched - Fusion - WeRIndia

‘112’ is an all-in-one emergency number. In other words, it is a single emergency helpline number.

This is similar to ‘911’ number in the United States.

16 states and Union territories came together yesterday to launch 112 as a single emergency helpline number. The helpline will be activated throughout the country by next year and people who are in distress can reach out to the number in case of an emergency.

‘112’ helpline number is an integration of various helpline numbers including police – 100, fire – 101 and women protection– 1090. 108 – The health helpline would be integrated with 112 soon.

112 helpline number is launched under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) in the country.

The states and Union territories that joined in this system are: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andaman, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Jammu and Kashmir.

Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland already have the 112 helpline number.

After launching the 112 helpline number, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the helpline number has been launched to improve the safety of citizens, particularly women.

In case of an emergency, one can dial 112 on a phone to get response. Or press the power button three times in case of a smartphone to send an emergency call. In normal phones, a long press of the ‘5’ or ‘9’ key would activate a panic call.

One can log onto the website of ERSS to send an emergency email to one’s respective state.

112, India mobile app is available for free on Google Play Store and Apple Store.

In addition to the single emergency helpline number, Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) and the safe city implementation monitoring portal have also been launched.

The ITSSO is useful for law enforcement agencies in the country and the safe city implementation monitoring portal boosts the sense of security for city women.
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