Kamrup (M): Toll-free number launched for women to report sexual misconduct on city buses

Guwahati: In a move that is expected to provide major relief to women and girls who travel via modes of public transport, the Kamrup (Metro) and the district transport office have opened a toll free number for women to report instances of sexual abuse.

Bapan Kalita, a district transport official of Kamrup (M), informed media that all women or girls can dial the toll-free number whenever they face misdemeanor by any male person on public transport vehicles in the metropolitan area.

The Kamrup (M) transport official also said that the toll-free number has been opened as per the Union government's directives to ensure the safety of the fairer sex on the streets.

Hence, any woman while traveling in a cab or on a city bus who faces misconduct can make a call to 181 to make a complaint to the authorities. The respective authority will file a case against the accused persons, Kalita said.

Security personnel appointed by the Government to monitor such cases would reach the spot as soon as the call is made, added Kalita.

Additionally, in such a situation a woman can dial the Childline (1098), police (100), and 252281.

Kalita further added that the registration of one thousand city buses and around ten thousand commercial vehicles which ply the roads of Guwahati has been done under a new initiative.

It is to be noted that the Guwahati city buses, which are the source of livelihood for many owners, drivers, and conductors in Guwahati city, have finally been allowed back on the streets after a long period of lockdown.

An order issued by Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna stated that "city buses are allowed subject to maintenance of all COVID-19 protocols and social distancing and with 50% capacity."

"Public transport is allowed subject to maintenance of all COVID-19 protocols and social distancing with 50% capacity", the order further added.

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