CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The number, however, was changed to ‘181’ as the Ministry felt it would be easier to recollect. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had requested that a three-digit phone number be allotted for helping women in distress. This was the first three-digit number to have been allotted in two years by the Ministry.

Detailed explanation-2: -Department of Telecommunication, Government of India has allocated short code 181 to all States/UTs which is being used by some States/UTs such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh as Women Helpline. Under this Scheme, States/UTs need to adopt this short code 181 as Women Helpline (WHL).

Detailed explanation-3: -Any women can access 181 “Abhyam” helpline for the purpose of counseling, guidance, information and also for the rescue in various threatening situations including domestic violence. 181 Abhayam Helpline is functional in Ahmedabad and Surat Cities and Gandhinagar District on pilot basis.

Detailed explanation-4: -181 is a toll-free 24-hours telecom service made available to women affected by violence seeking support and information. 181 Women Helpline would be integrated with 112-Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) for all emergency assistance.