The Madhya Pradesh government is integrating the women’s helpline number 181 and the child helpline 1098 with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) number 112 as part of the Centre’s “One Nation One Helpline” initiative. The step is aimed at providing faster and more coordinated assistance to women and children in distress across the state.
A senior official said the initiative is being implemented by the state’s Women and Child Development Department. Under the integrated system, women, children below the age of 18, or any individual seeking help on their behalf will be able to access emergency assistance by calling 181, 1098, or 112 toll-free at any time of the day. The service will operate around the clock, seven days a week.
Officials explained that the integration of the helplines will make it easier to respond to emergencies by connecting different services through a single system. Calls received on any of these numbers will be assessed and routed to the appropriate response agencies to ensure timely help.
The women’s helpline 181 is designed to provide immediate assistance and support to women who may be facing violence or other forms of distress. The helpline is connected with the state’s “One Stop Centres,” which offer a range of support services under one roof. Through this network, women can receive help from the police, hospitals, ambulance services, the District Legal Services Authority, protection officers, and other essential agencies.
In addition to physical and legal assistance, the helpline also provides emotional and psychological support. Trained counsellors are available to guide callers and help them cope with difficult situations.
According to the official, the service has already been widely used by women in the state. Between April 1, 2025 and January 29 of the current year, the helpline assisted approximately 1.28 lakh women who sought support for various issues.
The child helpline 1098 has also been integrated with ERSS-112 as part of the initiative. Calls received through this service are handled by trained responders who categorise them based on the type and urgency of the situation.
If a call involves an emergency requiring immediate intervention, it is promptly forwarded to ERSS-112 as well as the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU). This system enables authorities to quickly coordinate rescue, protection, and support for children in distress.
During the 2025–26 period up to January 29, the child helpline provided assistance to 26,974 children across the state. The support included protection services, counselling, and rehabilitation measures depending on the nature of each case.
Officials said the integration of these helplines is part of broader efforts by the Madhya Pradesh government to strengthen safety and support mechanisms for vulnerable groups. The initiative aligns with the administration’s focus on using technology-driven systems to improve access to emergency services.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the state government has been introducing measures aimed at ensuring greater safety, dignity, and empowerment for women and children. Authorities say the integrated helpline system is expected to improve coordination among agencies and provide quicker assistance to those in need.
