The Assam Cabinet has approved the establishment of a 24×7 Emergency Response Framework with the unified helpline number 112, a move expected to generate 1,200 new employment opportunities in the state. The decision, taken at a cabinet meeting on July 5, 2026, aims to significantly enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities across Assam. This new framework will integrate police, fire, health, and disaster management services onto a single, round-the-clock technology platform, streamlining emergency assistance for citizens. The creation of 1,000 driver positions and 200 control room staff jobs aligns with the state government’s broader commitment to employment generation.

What was announced

The Assam Cabinet, during its meeting on July 5, 2026, gave its approval for the establishment of a comprehensive 24×7 Emergency Response Framework, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The core of this framework is the centralized helpline number 112, which will serve as a single point of contact for various emergencies. The state government has sanctioned an outlay of ₹100 crore for the implementation and upgrade of this system. Chief Minister Sarma, addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, detailed that the initiative involves the deployment of 200 police vans that will function as mobile police stations across the state. A dedicated state-of-the-art call centre for the 112 helpline will be established at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) will be responsible for implementing the Assam Police Emergency Management System project, officials confirmed.

Why it matters

The approval of the Emergency Response Framework marks a significant step towards modernizing and centralizing emergency services in Assam. The initiative is projected to create 1,200 new jobs, comprising 1,000 drivers for the emergency response vehicles and 200 control room staff to manage the helpline. This substantial job creation is expected to provide much-needed employment opportunities for the state’s youth. For citizens, the unified 112 helpline is designed to provide quicker and more efficient access to emergency assistance. Chief Minister Sarma stated that the government’s target is to ensure a response to any emergency within 10 minutes. By integrating police, fire, health, and disaster management services, the framework aims to eliminate the need for citizens to remember multiple emergency numbers, thereby enhancing overall public safety and response coordination. Assam will become the third state in India, following Uttar Pradesh and Telangana, to implement such an advanced integrated emergency response system.

Background

The concept of a unified emergency helpline number 112 in India gained traction following the recommendations of the Justice J.S. Verma Committee, constituted after the 2012 Nirbhaya incident, which highlighted the need for a single, easily accessible emergency number. Assam has been on the path to implementing the 112 service for several years. Reports from October 2019 indicated that the state would soon launch the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) with 112, intending to replace existing emergency numbers such as 100 (Police), 101 (Fire), 181 (Women’s Helpline), and 1091 (Women’s Helpline). While these older numbers still function, 112 has been positioned as the primary and most efficient contact for urgent situations. This latest cabinet decision also aligns with the Assam government’s broader “Mission 2 Lakh Govt Jobs” initiative, launched in May 2026. Under this mission, the government aims to create two lakh government jobs for unemployed youth across various departments, autonomous bodies, and semi-government organizations over the next five years. Chief Minister Sarma has repeatedly emphasized his government’s commitment to fulfilling electoral promises regarding employment and ensuring transparent, merit-based recruitment. The rollout of the Emergency Response Framework contributes directly to this overarching employment generation strategy.

Key details

The newly approved Emergency Response Framework will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring constant availability of emergency services. The system is designed to provide immediate assistance for incidents ranging from theft and dacoity to other forms of attacks. Upon receiving a call on 112, the central call centre at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon will promptly dispatch the nearest police vehicle to the location. The 1,200 new positions will be crucial for the operational efficiency of this framework. Specifically, 1,000 drivers will be required to operate the 200 police vans, while 200 youths will be needed to staff the control room. The system is also designed to seamlessly refer calls for medical emergencies to 108 ambulance services and fire-related incidents to the fire services, ensuring a coordinated response across all critical sectors.

Reactions

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma underscored the transformative potential of the new system.

“The Assam government has decided today that the phone number 112 will be modernised, where 200 police vans will operate within the Framework. Whenever incidents like theft, dacoity and attacks happen, people can dial 112 for necessary help,” Chief Minister Sarma said. “Our target is to respond to any emergency within 10 minutes and that will now be possible with this system,” he added.

He further highlighted the role of technology in this upgrade.

“The revamped system would enable quicker emergency response by using GIS technology to identify the nearest police vehicle. It will be like 200 mobile police stations,” Sarma said.

The Chief Minister also noted the precedent set by other states.

“States like Uttar Pradesh and Telangana have been implementing such an integrated helpline service, and we will follow suit now,” Sarma said.

What’s next

With the Assam Cabinet’s approval and the allocation of ₹100 crore, the state government is expected to move forward with the implementation of the Emergency Response Framework. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) will proceed with the Assam Police Emergency Management System project. Recruitment for the 1,200 vacancies for drivers and control room staff is anticipated to commence in due course to operationalize the 24×7 service and deploy the 200 police vans. Citizens can expect further announcements regarding the full launch and operational details of the modernized 112 helpline across Assam.

Quick FAQs

What is the new emergency helpline number for Assam?

The new unified emergency helpline number approved by the Assam Cabinet is 112. It is designed to integrate various emergency services under one number.

How many jobs will be created by this initiative?

The Emergency Response Framework is projected to create 1,200 new employment opportunities, including 1,000 driver positions and 200 control room staff roles.

What services will the 112 helpline cover?

The 112 helpline will integrate police, fire, health, and disaster management services, providing a single point of contact for all immediate assistance needs.

Where will the central call centre be located?

The central call centre for the 112 emergency response system will be established at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon.

Sources & References

Source: Assam Government Emergency Response Framework Summary