Meghalaya Women Helpline number 181 receives 36,000 calls
In a significant revelation, Meghalaya's Women Helpline number 181 has recorded a tally of over 36,000 calls since its launch in February 2022, with the majority of calls seeking protection from abuse and violence, according to State Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh.
Out of the total calls received, 477 cases have been officially registered, with 158 cases currently active and 304 cases marked as closed, Minister Lyngdoh informed PTI. Expressing satisfaction with the response, he noted that the numbers indicate a positive trend in the state where privacy concerns often limit the disclosure of domestic issues.
"The fact that 36,000 calls were made since the service was activated shows that the response has been high," Minister Lyngdoh remarked, highlighting the willingness of women to seek help through the helpline.
To enhance and streamline the support system, the state government has integrated the women's helpline 181 with the child helpline 1098, ensuring round-the-clock services to attend to distress calls. Social Welfare Director Camelia Doreen Lyngwa emphasized that self-help groups (SHGs) are being engaged to assist families, guiding them to one-stop centers that provide crucial support to women in distress.
In addition to addressing women's issues, Minister Lyngdoh revealed that the state government is actively formulating a transgender policy. With 627 transgender individuals recorded in the 2011 census in Meghalaya, steps have been taken to establish a state/district transgender justice board. An officer has been designated to handle complaints, and standing committees in all districts have been initiated to promptly investigate reports of police abuse against transgender persons.
The minister highlighted the state's progressive move in 2018 when the cabinet approved amendments to the Meghalaya Registration of Birth and Death Rules, 1999. This allowed for the inclusion of a transgender or third-gender option against the sex column in birth or death certificates, reflecting a commitment to recognizing and addressing the rights of transgender individuals in the state.
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