The Ministry of Women and Child Development announced on Wednesday that more than 81.64 lakh women have received assistance through the Women Helpline (WHL) since its launch, up to October 31, 2024.
The WHL scheme, which has been operational since April 1, 2015, is part of the Sambal vertical under the broader Mission Shakti initiative. It aims to provide a 24/7 emergency and non-emergency response to women in both public and private spaces. The helpline, accessible via the short code 181, connects women with appropriate authorities, including police, One Stop Centres, hospitals, and legal services. Additionally, it offers information about various women’s welfare schemes and programs.
Currently, the WHL is active in 35 States and Union Territories, with over 81.64 lakh women benefiting from its services since its inception. However, the government of West Bengal is not implementing the WHL scheme.
According to the Mission Shakti Guidelines, the responsibility for implementing the scheme lies with the respective States and Union Territories, which are also tasked with conducting public awareness activities as necessary. This information was shared by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, in response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
