With a view to eradicate the menace of drugs in the state, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal exhorted the people to provide authentic information to police about drug peddlers and drug addicts on police helpline 181 or on mobile number 7696-181-181 having WhatsApp facility so that strict action could be initiated by the police.During a review meeting on functioning of helpline 181 here today Mr Badal asked the Police officers to take instant action to nab the offenders on the public information. Mr Badal said the war against drugs could be won with the active help of people and they should come forward fearlessly against the sale, consumption and use of narcotics in the State. He stressed that information provided by the public would be kept confidential and Rs 10,000 cash award to be provided on authentic reporting about the drug peddlers and drug addicts.Adding new feather to the cap of unprecedented success of 181 police helpline to maintain law and order, Deputy CM said that Police has launched a mobile number 7696-181-181 enabled with WhatsApp application, which will facilitate general public not only to register their plaints and could also upload anti-social activities as well photographs, videos, documents etc.
This facility has been launched by the Punjab police to get instant and authentic information by using social media effectively so that drug traffickers and criminals could be restrained without any delay.He said this provision was aimed at to empower general public to share information with police force by uploading documents, photos, videos or audio clips regarding any anti-social activities besides providing feedback on working of police.He informed that "dial 181 Punjab Police Helpline" is both a helpline as well as state wide grievance redressal platform which provides round-the-clock assistance to women, children, senior citizens, NRIs and other citizens who needs quick police response, support and assistance.It also provides a free and easy way to share police-related concerns and grievances, follow-up on complaints made to different police units and offices. Besides, people could provide feedback about conduct of police officials deployed in the field.
He said this Police helpline is multi-channel platform which could be accessed through multiple communication channels - Phone (181), Whatsapp/SMS (7696-181-181), Fax (0172-6626181), email ([email protected]) and web portal (www.181pph.com).It is mentioned here that since the launch of Police helpline on August 22, 2013, as many as 4,94,817 calls were received from citizens of Punjab and NRIs out of which 2,62,853 calls were related to police inquiries and suggestions whereas 1,09,832 calls were made to provide feedback and follow-up.Appreciating this unique move of Punjab Government, people from all walks of life have registered their suggestions and feedback to make this app more effective. Charanjit Kaur of Sri Fatehgarh Sahib has welcomed this initiative and said this WhatsApp facility was a golden gift to the people with the start of year 2015. Another quote sent by a person demanded strict action against violation of cigarettes and other tobacco products act especially around educational institutes and public places to make Punjab tobacco free.
Another message sent by a person has described this app most appropriate in this era of IT. He said this initiative would prove helpful to connect youth with the Punjab Police besides providing necessary information to curb crime by contributing for the cause of society.RTI Activists from Jalandhar Ajay Sehgal said this would provide further momentum to the ongoing law and order activities as well as for collective fight against crime. Another quote also commended this endeavour saying police patrolling should be intensified in front of women colleges to check eve teasing.