The Indian government has taken a significant step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of children in crisis situations by integrating the Child Helpline (1098) with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112). This integration has been completed in nine states in the first phase, ensuring that children in distress can access immediate assistance at their fingertips.
Child Helpline Integration with ERSS-112: A Lifeline for Children in Crisis
Child Helpline (1098) is a vital service that offers emergency outreach for children facing difficult situations. Previously, accessing this helpline required dialing a separate number, but with the integration into the ERSS-112, children can now connect to help by simply dialing the four-digit toll-free number (1098). This seamless integration streamlines the process of seeking assistance and ensures a quicker response during emergencies.
The Role of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) played a crucial role in automating the child helpline (1098) and integrating it with the ERSS-112. Their expertise in technology implementation has made it possible to efficiently handle incoming calls, classify them based on urgency, and forward emergency calls to the ERSS-112, thus ensuring immediate action.
Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112)
ERSS-112 is a Pan-India single number emergency response system, designed to provide citizens with prompt assistance during emergencies. It operates through various channels, including voice calls to 112, emails, panic button activations, and the 112 India mobile app. The adoption of 112 as the single emergency number aligns India with global practices, making it easier for citizens to access emergency services.
Features and Benefits of the ERSS-112 App
The ERSS-112 app brings several features that enhance the emergency response experience for citizens:
- Efficient Response System: The app ensures 24×7 availability of emergency services, engaging local volunteers to provide swift assistance during crisis situations.
- Location Identification: Through voice or data connections, the app helps identify the precise location of the person in distress, aiding in quicker dispatch of resources.
- Integrated Response: ERSS-112 integrates with existing emergency response systems, such as Police (100), Fire (101), Health (108), Women Helpline (1090), and now Child Helpline (1098). This seamless integration ensures a coordinated and effective approach to handling emergencies.
- Citizen-Friendly Operations: The app aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in emergency services, providing citizen profile management and feedback mechanisms.
- Progress Tracking: ERSS-112 enables monitoring and tracking the progress of incidents and services delivered, taking emergency services to a higher level of accountability and quality.
States with Completed Integration
The successful integration of the Child Helpline with ERSS-112 has been completed in the following nine states: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Ladakh, Puducherry & Mizoram
Expanding Nationwide
The completion of the first phase of integration is a remarkable achievement in strengthening child protection and emergency response systems. The government’s vision is to expand this integration to all states and union territories, ensuring that children across the country have access to immediate help when they need it the most. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and continuous training of volunteers and officials will further enhance the effectiveness of the ERSS-112 and Child Helpline integration.