Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar on Monday launched a National Helpline Against Atrocities (NHAA).
The helpline is now available round the clock on toll-free number ‘14566’ across the country in Hindi, English and regional language of the state/UTs.
The helpline number will ensure proper implementation of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) [PoA] Act, 1989 and can be accessed by making a voice call /VOIP either from a mobile or landline number of any Telecom Operator across the country.
The PoA Act was enacted with a prime objective view of preventing atrocities on members of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), said a statement issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Also available as a web-based self-service portal, the NHAA will generate informed awareness about the various provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act, 1989 and the Protection of Civil Right (PCR) Act, 1955 that are aimed at ending discrimination and provide protection to all.
It will ensure that every complaint is registered as FIRs, relief is provided, all registered complaints are investigated and all chargesheets filed are prosecuted in the Courts for decision – all within the given timelines in the Act.
Also read: Assam: Ashmita Foundation felicitates saviours of drowning man in Guwahati
The basic details about the helpline:
Toll free service; it can be accessed by making a voice call /VOIP on “14566” either from mobile or landline number of any Telecom Operator across the country; it will be available round the clock.
Its services would be available in Hindi, English and regional language of the State/UTs and the mobile application is also available.
The features of the helpline:
Grievances redressal: Docket number shall be given for each complaint received from Victim/Complainant/NGOs regarding non-compliance of the PCR Act, 1955 and the POA Act, 1989.
Tracking system: Status of the Grievance can be tracked by complainant/NGOs Online.
Auto compliance of the Acts: Every provision of the Acts related to victim shall be monitored and compliance shall be ensured by triggering communication/ reminders with State/UT implementing authorities in the form of sending messages / E-mails.
Generation of awareness: Any inquiry shall be replied by IVR or operators in Hindi, English and Regional languages.
Dashboard for the States/UTs: KPIs of States/UTs will also be made available on the Dashboard itself on their performance towards the vision (stipulates reducing atrocity cases also) of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme which is meant for implementing the PCR Act, 1955 and the POA Act, 1989.