Odisha Government launches 181 helpline for distressed women

Odisha Government launches 181 helpline for distressed women Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on 8 March 2017 launched a helpline number 181 for women in distress on the occasion of International Women's Day 2017. This toll free helpline number will be available for 24 hours in all the 30 districts of the state.The helpline will extend prompt response to women affected by violence.  It will provide information about women-related government schemes and programmes and a range of other services. Women of Odisha
• Around 50 lakh women have been able to raise their socio-economic condition by becoming part of the women self help groups in Odisha. • More than 25 lakh women have also been benefited by about Rs 1100 crore by availing incentive through Mamata Yojana, a pregnancy related welfare scheme of the state government.
• Odisha government has instituted 50 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and government jobs to encourage their better participation.
• Odisha's Biju Kanya Ratna and Mission Shakti have also been instrumental for welfare of women and girls in the state. Background The Union Government launched the 181 helpline number in 2013 after the brutal gang-rape of Nirbhaya in December 2012 and asked all states to start the helpline. Besides, 1091 helpline number by the police and 10920 helpline number by the State Commission for Women were also launched.