Helplines soon for women in distress: PM

New Delhi, March 8

Denouncing violence against women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said one-stop centres and mobile helplines would be set up for women in distress.

“Our heads hang in shame when we hear of instances of crime against women. We must walk shoulder-to-shoulder to end all forms of discrimination or injustice against women,” he said in a message on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

“Today, we renew our pledge to make women an equal and integral part of our development journey. My government has initiated several measures aimed at bringing about a positive change in the lives of women. That is central to our vision of India’s progress and a life of dignity and opportunity for all our citizens,” the Prime Minister said.

Seeking support of all in transforming the vision into reality, he said, “The government is setting up one-stop centres that will provide assistance, legal advice and psychological counseling to women who face violence or abuse.

“The government is also commencing a mobile helpline to enable women to dial 181 for access to counseling and referral services,” he said. “Through various schemes and initiatives, our government remains fully committed to bringing a positive change in the lives of women,” the PM said, while saluting the “indomitable courage and outstanding achievements of women on International Women’s Day”.

He noted that the Union Budget had unveiled broadbased social security schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Bima Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana which will benefit women in a big way.

“The 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' Yojana seeks to usher in a paradigm shift in attitudes towards the girl child and places emphasis on educating the girl child while the Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana will support women’s marriage and education.” — PTI