Adapted From : Economic Times
‘112’ will be the national emergency number in India, similar to the ‘911’ in the US and ‘999’ in the UK.
The roll-out of 112 may see a gradual phase-out of existing emergency numbers like 100 (for police), 101 (fire services), 102 (ambulance) and 108 (disaster management), though they will continue to be in operation for at least a period of one year.
Telecom regulator Trai had suggested the adoption of 112 as the national emergency number in its recommendations submitted to the telecom department in April last year. The above proposal has been approved by the inter-ministerial panel Telecom Commission.
In India, different emergency communication and response systems are in place — police (100), fire brigade (101), ambulance (102) and Emergency Disaster Management (108).
Also, a number of states have notified various helpline numbers for assistance to special categories of citizens, like Woman in distress – 181 (Delhi), Missing Children and Women – 1094 (Delhi), Crime Against Women – 1096 (Delhi), Police Headquarter helpline – 1090 (Uttar Pradesh) etc.A person in distress will now need to call 112, which will direct the call to concerned departments immediately for help.
This number can be reached even if you don’t have a network or balance.
The Logical Indian community thanks and appreciates the effort by the telecom authorities. We hope to see the speedy implementation of the service and request all the individuals and respective state governments to actively support the government in establishing 112 as the national emergency number.