SOS, GPS, and video surveillance to enhance women’s safety in India

SOS alerts and GPS tracking could soon be mandatory gadgets on cell phones in India to enhance security and safety for women taking public transit.

India's Home Affairs Ministry proposed the integration of police administration and mobile phone networks, for accurate tracing of SOS alerts and fast dispatch of police assistance within minimum time. The scheme will be launched in 157 cities in 2 phases. The Ministry of Information Technology will instruct mobile phone manufacturers to add in SOS alert system in all handsets, or free downloading of suitable software.

Currently, the IT Ministry has 2 projects initiated in this context: one is implemented at Jaipur Police control room for assisting women in distress; the other one is a personal security device in form of a wrist watch used in Delhi.

The Road Ministry proposed a scheme to cover 32 towns with a total population of 1 million people. Under the scheme, public transport vehicles will compulsorily have GPS, video surveillance and passenger information systems. On-board GPS unit will be a necessary condition for giving permit.

The railway ministry is working on a pilot scheme of setting up an SOS alert system in trains in select zones. The facility will cover all the service providers from all the telecom circles.