The Indian government is set to launch a pilot project introducing panic buttons in feature phones and an app in smartphones that women can use to raise alarm and seek help in case of emergency. The project started almost a year ago and will first be rolled out in Jaipur, sources say. Government officials said the d
The Indian government is set to launch a pilot project introducing panic buttons in feature phones and an app in smartphones that women can use to raise alarm and seek help in case of emergency. The project started almost a year ago and will first be rolled out in Jaipur, sources say.
Government officials said the decision was conveyed by the IT department to finance minister P Chidambaram at a meeting on Tuesday when different projects for women's safety were considered. A top IT ministry official told TOI that the rollout and other details will be announced by the minister soon.
The finance ministry approved this project along with another submitted by the road transport and highways ministry which envisages GPS-based tracking of all public transport in million-plus cities. "Buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis will also have panic buttons that can be accessed by passengers easily. As soon as the passenger presses the button, signals will go to the local control room and the information will subsequently reach police," said an official.
The Rs 1,700 crore project also proposes installation of CCTV cameras in buses and even RTVs, which provide last mile connectivity in urban areas.
GPS devices installed in public transport vehicles will be connected to a control room and a central server. An official said as soon as a vehicle deviates from the usual or determined route, there will be alerts and CCTV frames will pop up in the control room.
This information can be shared with police so that they can reach the spot immediately. Since this system needs proper operation and maintenance, the government will float a tender with the condition that the successful bidder will manage and maintain it for five years.