On the eve of International Women’s Day, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur , launched ‘Project Hifazat’ to enhance support systems for women and children affected by violence. This initiative, introduced under the Punjab government’s commitment to safety and dignity, aims to strengthen outreach efforts and create an integrated support mechanism for victims.
Speaking at the launch event at MGSIPAP, Sector 26, Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that ‘Project Hifazat’ is designed to remove the fear that prevents women from reporting domestic violence, workplace harassment, and other forms of abuse. She urged women to save the emergency helpline number 181 in their mobile phones for immediate assistance in crisis situations.
Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur emphasized that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann envisions Punjab as a progressive and secure state, and ensuring women’s safety is a crucial step toward this goal. She stressed that despite various initiatives, gaps remain in delivering timely support to victims, and ‘Project Hifazat’ seeks to bridge those gaps through better coordination among departments.
Under Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya, the 24×7 Women and Child Helpline will serve as the core of ‘Project Hifazat,’ offering both emergency and non-emergency assistance. Emergency cases will be transferred to the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) for immediate action.
The initiative fosters collaboration between the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab Police, and the Department of Health and Family Welfare to ensure swift intervention for legal aid, medical assistance, and psycho-social support. Deputy Commissioners will supervise implementation at the district level, with District Program Officers overseeing operations. Dedicated rescue vehicles will also be deployed to assist victims promptly.
Non-emergency cases will be referred to One Stop Centers (OSCs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and District Hubs for Women’s Empowerment, where victims will receive counseling, legal aid, and rehabilitation support. Information on shelter homes and welfare schemes will also be made available.
A centralized control room in Chandigarh will manage helpline operations, disseminate information on women’s welfare programs, and generate reports for monitoring progress.
Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring no victim is left unheard or unsupported. She urged citizens to report cases of violence against women and children by calling helpline numbers 181 and 1098. Strengthening legal and social support, ‘Project Hifazat’ aims to enhance the enforcement of key laws, including the Domestic Violence Act and the POCSO Act, fostering a safer society.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Special Chief Secretary Raji P. Shrivastava, Special DGP Gurpreet Kaur Deo, Director Sheena Aggarwal, and other key stakeholders from the department.