Who to call
22 official helplines — what each one is for, when it answers, and every other way to reach it. National, plus Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
If someone is in danger right now
112One number for police, fire and ambulance, anywhere in India. It works from any phone, including one with no SIM or no balance.
Government of India
Work from anywhere in India.
Emergency
Emergency (ERSS)
One number for police, fire and ambulance anywhere in India. Works from any phone, including one with no SIM or no balance.
24×7If you are unsure who to call, call this.
Women & Children
Women Helpline
For any woman facing violence, harassment or distress. Connects to shelter, police and counselling.
24×7Run by Ministry of Women & Child DevelopmentChild Helpline
For a child in danger, being abused, working, or living on the street. Anyone can call, including a child.
24×7Run by Ministry of Women & Child DevelopmentNow run by district administrations under Mission Vatsalya. If nobody answers and a child is in immediate danger, call 112.
National Commission for Women
Complain about the handling of a case involving a woman, or seek help when the police will not act.
24×7Run by National Commission for WomenSHe-Box (workplace harassment)
File a sexual-harassment-at-work complaint online, in any organisation, public or private.
Online, any timeRun by Ministry of Women & Child DevelopmentAdoption (CARA)
Guidance on legally adopting a child in India.
24×7Run by Central Adoption Resource AuthorityPOSHAN (nutrition)
Questions about child and maternal nutrition schemes.
24×7Run by Ministry of Women & Child Development
Vulnerable Groups
Elderline (senior citizens)
For older people facing neglect, abuse, or needing help with pensions and healthcare.
24×7Run by Ministry of Social Justice & EmpowermentAtrocities against SC/ST
Report caste-based violence, discrimination or the refusal of police to register a case.
24×7Run by Ministry of Social Justice & EmpowermentNasha Mukt Bharat (drug help)
Free, confidential help with drug or alcohol dependence, for the person or their family.
24×7Run by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Uttar Pradesh
For residents of Uttar Pradesh.
Women & Children
Women Power Line
For women in UP facing harassment, stalking or threats. Callers stay anonymous.
24×7Run by UP Police
Utilities
UPPCL (electricity)
Power cut, faulty meter, billing dispute or a dangerous line in Uttar Pradesh.
24×7Run by UP Power CorporationComplaints that go unresolved can be escalated at cgrf.uppcl.org.
Grievance
UP Chief Minister Helpline
Complain about any UP government department or a service you have been denied.
24×7Run by Government of Uttar PradeshJansunwai (grievances)
File and track a complaint against any UP department or district office.
Online, any timeRun by Government of Uttar PradeshUP Police e-FIR help desk
Help with filing an FIR online in Uttar Pradesh.
24×7Run by UP Police
Delhi
For residents of Delhi.
Emergency
Delhi Emergency
Police, fire and ambulance across Delhi.
24×7Run by Delhi Police
Women & Children
Delhi Commission for Women
Help for women in Delhi facing violence, harassment or an unresponsive police station.
9:30 am – 6 pm, Mon–FriRun by Delhi Commission for WomenOutside these hours, call 181 or 112.
Utilities
BSES Rajdhani (electricity)
Power cut or electrical emergency in south, west and central Delhi.
24×7Run by BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (private licensee)A fallen or sparking line is an emergency — call, do not email.
Tata Power-DDL (electricity)
Power cut or electrical emergency in north and north-west Delhi.
24×7Run by Tata Power Delhi Distribution (private licensee)
Numbers are checked against official sources before being listed here, but services do change. If one does not answer and the matter is urgent, dial 112.