Women Power Line 1090

The Women Power Line 1090 is a IVRS based dedicated service in Uttar Pradesh, India, to empower women from all forms of harassment and ensure their safety in society.[1] 1090 is a toll-free number that provides immediate help to the harassed women suffering from an antisocial behaviour or any other format of assistance which is sought. This helpline handles the cases of offense against women and ensures speedy protection to women and girls.

History

Women Power Line was initiated by the Uttar Pradesh Government under the leadership of Akhilesh Yadav, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, on November 15, 2012 which is being operated by the Uttar Pradesh Police department headed by Navniet Sekera. The service was started to deal with the crime against women and to control the antisocial activities against women happening in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The idea came to light when the cases of ragging started to increase in universities.[2] In the past three years (till 25 March 2015), about 3,230 cases have been registered of which around 3,170 cases have been successfully solved.

Purpose and mission

The helpline has been launched with the purpose of providing effective help to girls/women who become victims of any antisocial behaviour like eve-teasing, harassment, disrespect, or any other form of violence. The WPL personnel first goes for a counselling and then takes due legal action against the offender. The mission of Women Powerline is to bring a revolutionary change in controlling crimes against women and creating a society where women can protest against harassment and molestation with courage.[3]

Operations

To resolve the cases of harassment, the state police have set up an ultra-modern powerline and trained women police personnel to redress the cases of social harassment. The victim women can dial 1090 which is accessible from any telephone or mobile number to lodge complaints against harassment. A special team of women constables attend the calls and provide timely help to victims. The women constables, have received sensitivity and physiological training to ensure a safe and secure environment for all the callers. The identity of the caller is kept secret at all times.[4]

The entire process is divided into stars which acts as a measure at each stage:

  • One star: The victim registers her complaint by calling on 1090. The women constable there would register her complaint with all the details and the number through which she has been harassed. This number is then transferred to a male cop.
  • Two star: The male cop would send a first level warning to the accused. All the details cited by the victim is then narrated to the accused with much needed proof of acquisition. He might even be sent for counselling if need be. The details of the women are not shared with the accused.
  • Three star: The call centre will call the victim after 24 hours of registering the complaint to get a tap on the harassment. If the harassment continues from the accused, a detailed call records would be called for and analysed. He is then again sent for a counselling
  • Four star: The call centre will call the victim after 7 days of registering the complaint to get a tap on the harassment. If the harassment continues from the accused, a detailed call records would be called for and analysed. He given a final warning and then again sent for a counselling
  • Five star: The call centre will call the victim after 30 days of registering the complaint to get a tap on the harassment. If the harassment continues from the accused, a detailed call records would be called for and analysed. The case is then handed over to the respective DIG who then takes the necessary legal action [5]

References

  1. ↑ "Women power line to get 'power angels' soon". The Times of India. 25 March 2015. Retrieved 2016-02-01.
  2. ↑ "Women Power Helpline Number 1090 starts in Uttar Pradesh". Amajurala. 16 November 2012. Retrieved 2016-02-01.
  3. ↑ "Women Power Helpline in NGO Express". NGO Express. Retrieved 2016-02-01.
  4. ↑ "Women Power Helpline in Firstpost". Firstpost. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 2016-02-01.
  5. ↑ "Dial 1090, report a crank caller to police". The Times of India. 16 October 2012. Retrieved 2016-02-01.
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