New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has stated that the newly launched five-digit helpline number ‘14490’ aims to provide quick and easy assistance to distressed women across the country.
The Commission stated that the change to a shorter five-digit number not only demonstrates convenience but also indicates that women are now more easily accessible.
The NCW, under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, receives numerous complaints related to domestic violence and various other issues every year. These incidents can have a detrimental impact on mental health, and people often need psychological support to overcome the trauma.
It has launched this helpline to assist women in filing complaints and providing psychological support.
Responding to ETV Bharat’s question on the new helpline number, the NCW stated that it launched 14490 to make it faster, easier, and more accessible for women.
It stated, “Previously, our helpline was a long 10-digit number. Women found it difficult to remember. The shift to a shorter five-digit number isn’t just about convenience. It sends a message that help is closer than ever. Whenever a woman feels unsafe or unheard, she is just five digits away from immediate help.”
How will this new helpline improve access for women across India?
According to the women’s rights organization, 14490 is designed to reach every woman in every state. Currently, it is only available in Hindi and English. It operates 24/7, connecting callers to help regardless of their location or circumstances. Whether it’s day or night, rural or urban India, the helpline ensures that justice and support are just a call away.
What kinds of problems can women report on the helpline?
The NCW stated that women across the country can report any type of issue, including domestic violence, workplace harassment, cyberbullying, stalking, or safety concerns.
“The helpline guides them to the right support system, whether it’s police assistance, counseling, legal information, or coordination with state women’s commissions and local authorities. No concern is considered ‘small,’ and every voice is heard with seriousness and sensitivity.”
When asked how it will ensure that complaints are resolved efficiently, the NCW said, “We have strengthened our digital monitoring systems to ensure that no case goes unnoticed. The online complaint system is now simpler, faster, and more transparent. Every complaint is monitored.”
They said that their focus is not only on resolving cases, but also on creating systems that prevent such cases from recurring. The NCW said that this helpline is part of a larger effort to create a society where respect for women is essential, not optional.
They said, “Along with the helpline, the NCW is running awareness programs on various topics, conducting gender-sensitization training with the police force, and engaging with the community at the panchayat level. Our aim is clear: no woman should feel alone, unheard, or unsafe.” A truly empowered society is one where every daughter can dream freely and every woman can stand with dignity.”
The NCW has appealed to citizens, community organizations, institutions, and partners to disseminate this information widely to ensure that as many women as possible are aware of the helpline service, which is available to them at all times.
Referring to the new helpline, NCW Chairperson Vijaya K. Rahatkar told ETV Bharat, “When a woman feels helpless, she should remember that the National Commission for Women is standing with her, just five digits away (14490).”
Women’s Views: Akanksha Agarwal, who works as a CA in a private company in the national capital, New Delhi, told ETV Bharat, “I think the launch of the new helpline number by the NCW is a very positive and much-needed step. Many women often hesitate to report harassment or safety concerns because they are unsure of who to contact or whom to contact in an emergency.”
He added that an easy-to-remember number like 14490 makes getting help easier and more immediate. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the number of crimes against women in 2021 and 2022 was 42,8278 and 44,5256, respectively.
