The Assam Cabinet has approved the establishment of a State-wide Emergency Response System (ERS) that will provide citizens with single-number emergency assistance (Dial 112) by integrating police, fire, ambulance and disaster response services into one technology-driven platform. The project aims to improve emergency response time, strengthen public safety and enhance coordinated disaster management.

About the Emergency Response System (ERS)

• The Emergency Response System (ERS) is a technology-based integrated emergency service that connects citizens with multiple emergency agencies through a single emergency number—112.
• The project will operate under the Home and Political Department, Government of Assam, with technical implementation by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
• The Assam-specific platform will be known as the Assam Police Emergency Management System (APEMS).
• A modern Emergency Response Centre will be established at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy, Dergaon.
• Around 200 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) will be deployed across the State for rapid assistance.

Objectives of the project

• Provide a single emergency number (112) for police, fire, ambulance and disaster-related emergencies.
• Reduce emergency response time through GPS-enabled vehicles and real-time monitoring.
• Improve coordination among different emergency service agencies.
• Strengthen disaster preparedness during floods, earthquakes, accidents and other emergencies.
• Enhance public safety through technology-driven emergency management.

About Dial 112

• 112 is India’s single national emergency helpline, launched under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS).
• The Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Nirbhaya Framework.
• It integrates Police (100), Fire (101), Ambulance (108/102) and other emergency services into one platform.

Significance

• Assam is highly vulnerable to floods, landslides, road accidents and other disasters, making a unified emergency response mechanism essential.
• The system will improve public safety, disaster resilience, law enforcement efficiency and emergency healthcare access.
• It supports the objectives of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) by promoting coordinated emergency response.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS):

1. 112 is India’s single emergency response number.
2. It integrates police, fire and ambulance services through one platform.
3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

One-Line Wrap

Assam’s integrated Dial 112 Emergency Response System will strengthen public safety by providing faster, technology-driven and coordinated emergency services across the State.