Number 112 launched in Punjab; to replace 100

To strengthen the emergency redressal system for residents of Punjab, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh here on Tuesday launched 112 - a number that will replace police helpline number (100) in two months.

The launch of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) coincided with national unveiling of the unique citizen-centric service by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.

The Chief Minister, who made the first experimental call, expressed confidence that the people-friendly initiative would go a long way in complementing the state`s endeavour to augment law and order machinery and people`s trust in the administration.

The Chief Minister said the system would be extremely beneficial for the people in distress situations, especially women and other vulnerable sections of the society, as there would be significant improvement in police response to calls.

"It would further improve the security environment and also help in prevention of crime," he said.

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With the fully automated and computerised facility, each call will be recorded, leading to improved police support/response to any crisis or distress situation, a state government spokesman said.

"Initially, the aim is to achieve a response time of 10-12 minutes to any call, which will be brought down to 8 minutes in 6-8 months," he said.