Telangana government to set up 24-hour helpline for women's safety

Setting up a 24-hour helpline, enhancing policing and effective implementation of IT Act are among measures being proposed by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for women's safety.

The helpline should have the toll free number '181', he suggested during a review meeting on women's safety, as per a release issued by his office here today. Rao was informed about the measures taken to control eve-teasing at bus stops, on buses and at other public places in the city, the release said.

He suggested installing CCTV cameras at different places in the city. The chief minister also suggested that women should board and disembark the city buses from the front entry and male passengers from the rear entry alone.

A slider can be installed in the middle of the buses so that the conductor can move to both sides in the bus, he said. A DSP-level police officer should be given the responsibility to spread awareness on women safety in every district.

Noting that autorickshaws and taxis should be monitored in the city, Rao said the details of their owners and drivers should be maintained. Rao said the government would provide transport vehicles to women drivers at a subsidy of 50 per cent.

The IT Act should be implemented effectively to check harassment of women through cell phones, internet and social networking sites, he said. The chief minister also asked officials to look into the possibility of keeping a control on social media like in China and Gulf countries, the release said.

He directed officials to take effective steps to prevent fatal deaths and to check supply of illicit liquor, the release added.