Teething troubles mar 112 single helpline number

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 15

Seeking the police assistance in case of an emergency by dialing single helpline number 112 has become a daunting task for residents in the district. It is pertinent to mention that the helpline number 112 was launched with much fanfare in February by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh. However it has failed to serve the purpose to date.

The Tribune dialed 112 from four different locations, including the Civil Hospital, Sadar Bazar, Teen Cinema and Bathinda Press Club but failed to connect in every attempt. Three calls were unsuccessful and on one occasion the IVR directed to call again. However, previous police helpline number 100 was still active and would phase out gradually. Numerous people still dial 100 in case of emergency.

Bathinda SSP Dr Nanak Singh said it could be an operator issue. He said, “I tried it from my office and it worked.”

Earlier this month, ADGP (Law and Order) Ishwar Singh said, “The police helpline number 100 is still active. We will close it down gradually. When it is phased out, people will have to dial 112 for assistance.”

Majority of people admitted that they were not aware of single helpline number. Manjeet Singh Bhandari (23), who works at an eatery said, “I am not aware of 112. I just know that in case of an emergency, we should dial 100.”