BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has approved 1,098 posts for Odisha police to ensure smooth management of the proposed emergency response support service (ERSS) scheme, which would see integration of several key emergency numbers with a unified number, 112. ERSS or 112 helpline number, is a Centre-sponsored scheme and currently operational in different states.
The sanctioned 1098 posts include 4 deputy superintendents of police, 151 sub-inspectors, 203 assistant sub-inspectors and 740 constables. “The 112 emergency helpline number will be launched soon in the state. People will no longer be required to dial separate police-related helpline numbers and instead ring only 112. The existing numbers 100 (police), 101 (fire), 108 (ambulance), 181 (women helpline) and 198 (child helpline) will be integrated with 112,” said a written statement from the chief minister’s office. Naveen hopes the proposed unified number will help the police improve their delivery of emergency services to the needy.
"CM hoped that the consolidation of different numbers into a single emergency helpline number will help @odisha_police to deliver better services to the public with greater efficiency, strengthening people's faith in the system further," tweeted the chief minister's office.
Sources said in view of the curbs on new recruitments owing to the pandemic-induced austerity, the government will appoint the 1098 police personnel through rationalization of the equal number of posts in other police establishments.
The chief minister’s office said 236 vehicles will be hired for the ERSS project. Besides, an outsourced agency will provide 198 persons call taker executives, whose job would be to receive the emergency calls at the control room.
A high-tech control room to operate the ERSS system is being set up in the capital city. People, especially women in distress can dial 112 or send SMS or press the panic SOS signal to receive immediate response from the police. The ERSS has ‘112 India’ mobile App that would help people to quickly send an alert to the police by pressing a panic button. Police can track the location of victims immediately after receiving the SOS.
The ERSS is aimed at helping in optimum utilization of manpower and prompt action on all the emergency calls. The call centre would receive the emergency signals and provide assistance to the people in distress with the help of police, fire and ambulance. The ERSS would track the rescue and service vehicles of all services (police, fire and ambulance) in real-time on a digital map and immediately direct the vehicles to reach the victims.