Punjab Police has established Women Help Desks in every one of its 424 police stations, including 39 special‑purpose stations. The desks aim to make police services more accessible to women and children and to create a victim‑centred environment. Since their launch, a total of 2,31,677 complaints related to crimes against women and children have been recorded, of which 1,33,152 were lodged through the Punjab Grievance Disposal (PGD) portal.

Operational Highlights and Statistics

Out of the total complaints, 99,692 (approximately 74.8%) were assigned to and resolved by Punjab Police Women Mittars (PPMMs). The force has deployed 848 Women Mittars across all stations, ensuring that every police outpost has a dedicated female officer. This deployment has accelerated case resolution and bolstered public confidence in the police.

Innovation in Mobility: Electric Scooters

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann approved 93 electric scooters for women police personnel under the Women Mittar initiative, which DGP Gaurav Yadav recently flagged off. The scooters are intended to improve outreach, enable quicker response times, and enhance safety for officers traveling to remote complaint sites.

Assessment and Future Direction

To gauge the effectiveness of the Women Help Desks, Punjab Police is collaborating with NGOs J‑PAL and Hartek Foundation for a comprehensive evaluation. Special Director General (Community and Women Affairs) Gurpreet Deo highlighted that the desks bridge the gap between police and the public, offering victims assurance of empathetic, trained female officers.

Broader Impact

The expansion of Women Help Desks has led to a marked increase in reporting of gender‑based crimes, signaling a shift toward a more gender‑sensitive policing model. By encouraging victims to approach the police, the initiative not only improves safety but also promotes social change toward gender equality. Its success could serve as a template for other Indian states seeking to strengthen protection for vulnerable groups.