Akhilesh gifts 'power line' to women on Bhaiya Dooj

The number ‘1090’ may appear innocuous to many. But for women folk of Uttar Pradesh, who are often at the receiving end and have been subjected to molestation, rapes and stalking, it denotes a ‘power line’, quite literally.

Therefore anything that contributes even remotely in ensuring safety to women will certainly be welcomed by them.

On the day of Bhaiya Dooj (a Hindu festival wherein the women pray for the well being of their brothers and they in turn give gifts to sisters), chief minister Akhilesh Yadav launched  Women Power Line 1090 which aims to provide quick help to women, who have been victims of molestation.

The women folk can access the helpline from anywhere in the state and can register their complaints. A specially trained force comprising women only constables has been formed to attend to the calls and ensure timely help to the victims.

Akhilesh said the government decided to launch the power line in view of rising complaints of molestation by women. “Many women had told me about the harassment through cell phone calls and text messages,” Akhilesh added.

He said the identity of the callers will be kept secret to protect them. After receiving the calls the women only force will warn the harassers twice.

“An FIR will be registered against the culprit if he does not mend his ways and continues to harass the woman,” officials said.

They said the habitual offenders will be black listed and they will be denied driving licenses and character certificates. They will face problems in getting their passports and government jobs as well.

“The idea is to counsel the perpetrators initially and punish them only if they continue to harass the women folk. Their family members will also be informed about their deeds,” the officials added.

The power line will however be not a free service though unlike the 100.

Akhilesh feels that the power line will prove to be a big help to the women in the state, where crime against them has been rising steadily.