On the eve of International Women's Day, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur, launched Project Hifazat, a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering and protecting women and children facing violence. The project strengthens Punjab’s response to domestic violence, workplace harassment, and abuse by providing an integrated support system.
Key Features of Project Hifazat
24x7 Helpline 181 – A dedicated helpline offering immediate assistance.
Emergency Response Teams – Quick intervention teams to rescue and support victims.
Legal Aid & Counseling – Professional legal guidance and emotional counseling.
Psychological Assistance – Mental health support for trauma recovery.
Minister Baljit Kaur emphasized, "This initiative is designed to eliminate the fear that prevents women from reporting abuse and to provide them with immediate support."
Integrated Support and Coordination
Under Project Hifazat, different departments—including Social Security, Punjab Police, and Health & Family Welfare—will work together to ensure swift action and rehabilitation for victims. Emergency cases will be transferred to the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), while non-emergency cases will be directed to One Stop Centers (OSCs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and District Women Empowerment Hubs for counseling, legal aid, and rehabilitation.
Past Initiatives & Strengthening Safety Measures
Punjab has taken several steps in recent years to enhance women's safety. In 2019, then-CM Captain Amarinder Singh introduced a free night drop facility for women stranded between 9 PM and 6 AM. In 2021, Punjab Police launched the Saanjh Shakti help desks and helpline 181 for women, children, and senior citizens.
With Project Hifazat, Punjab’s AAP government aims to build a safer, stronger state where women and children can live without fear.
/dnp-english/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/03/2024-12-03t111212612z-dnp-india-logo-640x480-dnp-news-2.png){kind=logo}
/dnp-english/media/member_avatars/avatar/f87a701aa0feeff2dac903bba1bc7ba9.png )
Follow Us/dnp-english/media/media_files/2025/01/26/2LSXEZLaKVZ9ZjyCR5Z6.webp)
/dnp-english/media/media_files/2024/12/18/youtube.png){kind=icon}
/dnp-english/media/media_files/2024/12/18/facebook.png){kind=icon}
/dnp-english/media/media_files/2024/12/18/instagram.png){kind=icon}
/dnp-english/media/media_files/2024/12/18/twitter.png){kind=icon}
/dnp-english/media/media_files/2024/12/18/linkedin.png){kind=icon}