Srinagar, Feb 13: Turning out to be a saviour for the people in need and distress ‘Madadgaar’, an initiative from CRPF in Kashmir, has successfully attended and responded to more than 10 lakh calls, offering crucial assistance to hundreds of families in the Himalayan region. The initiative will mark its 7th anniversary in June this year,
Official data reveals that the helpline’s extensive reach has handled a remarkable total of 10,59,568 calls. These include 9,22,251 incoming calls and 37,438 requests. It has also addressed and solved 35,795 cases among the total requests.
Furthermore, the data reveals that the helpline is actively engaged in ongoing assistance, with 1,643 cases currently in process. This ongoing commitment signifies the dedication of the team to provide support and resolution to issues faced by the community.
Beyond traditional communication channels, ‘Madadgaar’ has embraced modern technology, receiving 3,726 requests via email, Twitter, and SMS. The team has effectively handled and satisfied 3,653 cases arising from these alternative channels.
The helpline has facilitated 58 major surgeries in prestigious institutions like AIIMS, PGIMER, SKIMS, SMHS, and other super-specialty hospitals. Additionally, it has provided essential medicines to 7,349 patients suffering from life-threatening conditions, including cancer, kidney transplants, and other critical illnesses.
“Ambulance services, assistance to physically challenged individuals, and 1,287 blood donations by CRPF personnel further demonstrate the diverse medical aid provided by ‘Madadgaar,” it said.
As per the data, the helpline has addressed 44 road-related issues, ensured access to drinking water in 45 cases, and resolved electricity-related concerns in 40 instances. It has provided education-related assistance, providing scholarships, study materials, and support for fee payment to 87 cases and benefiting 250 students.
In sports-related assistance, the helpline has sponsored 30 meritorious sportspersons for national and international events. The CRPF distributed food packets to 9,413 families, aiding 43,017 beneficiaries, post-August 2019 lockdown and amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
The helpline has actively addressed cases of domestic violence, eve-teasing, and assisted marriage, marking its commitment to supporting women in distress.
It has empowered skilled youth by providing 783 individuals with sewing machines, electrical tools, plumbing, masonry, and carpentry tools, contributing to livelihood assistance.
The ‘Madadgaar’ has also extended various kinds of assistance to those in need, including food items, blankets, and other essentials, benefiting 3,267 individuals in 777 cases.
Additionally, it has played a crucial role in law-and-order cases, land disputes, and helped individuals access government schemes like PMAY, UJJAWALA, RAN, and ADIP. During the SANJY event, it assisted 3,179 tourists and Yatris. It also handled 291 miscellaneous cases, showcasing its versatility in addressing a wide range of issues and concerns.
A CRPF Official told Rising Kashmir that following the disturbances in 2016, the valley was under law and order turmoil, affecting the common public the most. The increased terrorist activities coupled with widespread turmoil created a scenario where the Civil Administrative machinery almost came to a standstill.
“Public utilities, essential services, education, etc. were completely disrupted and attempts were being made by anti-social and anti-national elements to make use of all this in creating a disillusionment among the masses, thus widening the rift between people and the Government agencies,” he said.
The CRPF Helpline was inaugurated on 16th June 2017 in Srinagar. This round-the-clock helpline, accessible via the toll-free number ‘14411’, has been a crucial point of contact for assistance and support. To ensure effective communication, five analog phone lines were established, equipped with call recording features, and manned by constables proficient in local languages across three shifts.
“Initially, the helpline was envisioned to assist in various domains, encompassing public safety and security, medical aid through Unit MI rooms and ambulances, support for pilgrims and tourists (given CRPF’s responsibility for securing pilgrimages like SANJY, SMVD Yatra, Haj, etc.), aid during natural calamities, dissemination of information about recruitment and sports activities while functioning as a vital link between citizens and the administration for escalating issues related to public utilities such as water, electricity, and roads,” he said.
