In a bid to implement the 5-T principles for citizen-centric governance, the unified emergency call number 112 has been functionalised in the State.

Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra on Wednesday directed to make thee emergency response system foolproof with least response time. He emphasised upon minimising response time between receiving of a call and reaching of vehicle at service delivery point. He directed Home Department to undertake continuous and extensive awareness activities about new unified number so that people could make use of system. He directed to be extra careful regarding service delivery during process of transition from 108 Ambulance Services to 112.  National Health Mission Director Shalini Pandit appraised that on an average around 30,000 calls per day were being received through 108 out of which more than 20,000 calls related to ambulance service only. Mahapatra further directed to appropriately train the personnel at the call centre for handling 108 calls and providing immediate service to the people.

Home Secretary Sanjeev Chopra appraised that the State Emergency Response Centre (SERC) is now functioning round the clock with 124 call takers with computer-aided systems and 551 vehicles. In August, total 8,708 calls were registered, out of which 7,957 related to police services, 585 related to Fire Services and 166 were provided services through the call centre itself.

Besides, 1,915 calls were forwarded to ambulance services. It was decided that more vehicles would be hired for providing immediate emergency services. DGP Abhay also participated in the deliberations.