Kerala Strengthens Women’s Safety with Mitra 181, Nirbhaya Project, and Safety Pension

Thiruvananthapuram: In the thin space between life and death, a number she had once seen somewhere flashed through her mind. Gathering all her courage, she dialed it. That one moment became the lifeline that brought her back to life. 181… A counsellor answered the call and reassured her that she was not alone. She finally opened up — about the shock inflicted by the man she trusted with her life.

He had secretly recorded their private moments and then threatened to send those videos to others. Terrified, she stopped answering his calls. In retaliation, he sent her nude videos to his friend. Devastated, she attempted suicide but survived. Days of counselling gradually restored her courage. Eventually, through a group call arranged by the counsellor, she filed a complaint with the Cyber Cell and the Women’s Helpline. The police took him into custody and destroyed all the evidence he had kept. The counsellors stayed with her until they were certain she was safe again.

Under the Mitra 181 project of the State Women’s Development Corporation, more than 4.5 lakh cases have been resolved effectively. The service offers 24-hour support including counselling, legal assistance, and emergency protection.

3,800 Crore rupees Safety Pension for Women

For the first time in India, Kerala has made history by announcing a special safety pension for women aged 35 to 60. Through the scheme launched in November, 31.34 lakh women will receive 1,000 rupees per month. The benefit is for women listed under AAY and Pink Ration Cards who are not beneficiaries of any other social welfare pension schemes. Applications must be submitted online. The government will spend 3,800 crore rupees annually for this initiative.

Nirbhaya Kerala – Safe Kerala

The Nirbhaya Kerala Safe Kerala project operates at the district level to prevent violence against women and children and to strengthen safety measures. 205 trained volunteers have been appointed across police station jurisdictions.

Sakhi One-Stop Centre

The Sakhi One-Stop Centre offers support for survivors of physical, mental, and sexual violence. It is designed so survivors do not have to run between multiple places such as hospitals, police stations, shelters, or counselling centres.

ICC for Workplace Safety

To ensure safety for women at workplaces, Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) have been formed with mandatory women members. Women can be assigned night shifts (between 9 pm and 6 am) only with their consent, and employers must ensure safe transportation to and from their place of stay — all mandated by law.