The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched a 24-hour helpline to assist women who are subjected to sexual harassment or violence.
The helpline number 7827170170 will connect the affected women to the appropriate authorities, such as the police, hospitals, district legal service authority, psychological service, and so on.
The helpline will be run out of NCW's Delhi office. The NCW said in an official statement that a team of trained experts and specialists has been appointed to assist with the operation of the helpline.
Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD), said during the launch of the helpline, "The development gives a message to women that whenever they are in need, their government and their Commission will stand by them."
She also praised the NCW team for its efforts to assist women, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Partnership between NCW and WCD goes a long way in ensuring a seamless intervention to help women in distress," Irani said.
Any woman over the age of 18 can seek assistance by calling the helpline.
The recently launched helpline service was created in collaboration with the Digital India Corporation and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
According to NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma, the helpline will supplement the Commission's existing complaint redressal mechanism.
"We are always inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is tirelessly working for the betterment of women. From women empowerment to women-led empowerment, we have seen many changes in his able leadership which inspires us to do better," Sharma said.
The NCW also receives complaints in writing or online through its website www.ncw.nic.in.
The National Commission for Women is a statutory body of the Government of India that advises the government on all policy matters affecting women. It was established on January 31, 1992, in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Constitution as defined in the National Commission for Women Act of 1990.
