In a move aimed to curb the drug menace in the State, the Punjab Government on Saturday decided to award those who give authentic information about drug peddlers in the State.
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal exhorted the people to provide information to police about drug peddlers and drug addicts on police helpline 181 or on mobile number 7696-181-181 having WhatsApp facility so that strict action could be initiated by the police. The decision was taken during a review meeting on functioning of helpline 181 here.
Badal asked the Police officers to take instant action to nab the offenders on the public information. He said the war against drugs could be won with the active help of people and they should come forward fearlessly against the sale, consumption and use of narcotics in the State. The Deputy CM stressed that information provided by the public would be kept confidential and Rs10,000 cash award would be provided on authentic reporting about the drug peddlers and drug addicts.
Police has launched mobile number 7696-181-181 enabled with WhatsApp application, which will facilitate general public not only to register their complaints but it they could also upload anti-social activities as well as photographs, videos, documents etc.
This facility has been launched by the Punjab police to get instant and authentic information by using social media effectively so that drug traffickers and criminals could be restrained without any delay.
Badal said this provision was aimed to empower general public to share information with police force by uploading documents, photos, videos or audio clips regarding any anti-social activities besides providing feedback on working of police.
He said “dial 181 Punjab Police Helpline” is both a helpline as well as State wide grievance redressal platform which provides round-the-clock assistance to women, children, senior citizens, NRIs and other citizens who needs quick police response, support and assistance.
It also provides a free and easy way to share police-related concerns and grievances, follow-up on complaints made to different police units and offices. Besides, people could provide feedback about conduct of police officials deployed in the field.
He said this Police helpline is multi-channel platform which could be accessed through multiple communication channels — Phone (181), Whatsapp/SMS (7696-181-181), Fax (0172-6626181), email (help@181pph.com) and web portal (www.181pph.com).