A single helpline number ‘112’ for all emergency services was launched in Odisha, which will provide immediate assistance to people in distress. The services under the umbrella of this number are the police, ambulance, fire, health, women and child safety, and it comes under a Centre-sponsored scheme that is already implemented in several states.
Earlier, people had to dial 100 for police, 101 for fire, 102 for an ambulance, 104 (coronavirus), 108 (disaster), 181 (women helpline), and 1089 (child helpline) for the required emergency help. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik mentioned the difficulty in remembering all the numbers while announcing the all-purpose new emergency hotline. The decision taken by the state government will come into force with immediate effect, enabling a faster response.
Along with releasing the hotline number, the Chief Minister also approved the proposal for the creation of 1,098 posts in the police department for providing quick and efficient services to the people of the state. Meanwhile, 4 DSPs, 151 sub-inspectors, 203 assistant sub-inspectors, and 740 constables will be on standby to provide the ‘112’ emergency service. About 198 call-receiver executives have already been assigned and around 236 vehicles are deployed for the purpose.
The scheme aims to efficiently use manpower along with providing prompt help in times of emergency. The rescue and service vehicles of all services, including police, fire, and ambulance, will be tracked on a real-time basis using a digital map and immediately directed to help those in need. This hotline was launched by the Centre in February 2019 to have a single helpline number at the national level.
A similar approach to tackling emergencies is already enforced in the United States for a long time. ‘112’ in India is expected to play the same role as ‘911’ in the USA.