‘112’ helpline for all emergencies

New Delhi, February 19

India got its first national emergency response number which was rolled out today for 16 states and UTs with a promise of a national coverage.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi jointly launched the women’s safety initiative called Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) in 16 states and UTs plus Mumbai city.

People in these areas can now call a single pan-India number ‘112’ for any emergency along the lines of ‘911’ in the US.

In addition, Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) and Safe City Implementation Monitoring Portal were also launched.

Rajnath Singh said the launch of emergency response system was a “milestone in women's safety in the country”. — TNS