UP district launches keychain alarm for women; device emits siren in emergencies
In a novel initiative aimed at strengthening women's safety, the Baghpat district administration has launched a personal safety alarm device designed as a keychain that
In a novel initiative aimed at strengthening women's safety, the Baghpat district administration has launched a personal safety alarm device designed as a keychain that can be easily carried in a purse, bag or with keys. The compact gadget emits a loud alarm and activates a flashing light when triggered in an emergency, helping attract immediate attention from people nearby. The initiative was launched by Baghpat District Magistrate Asmita Lal, who distributed the alarm devices to women employees at the Collectorate office. Officials said the alarm sounds continuously for nearly two minutes and can be heard from a distance of up to 50 metres, enabling bystanders to respond quickly in case of distress.
Read Full Story The district administration said the device features a built-in flashlight and can be activated instantly if a woman feels unsafe while travelling or finds herself in an emergency. "This personal safety alarm can be carried easily with keys, handbags or other belongings. If a woman senses danger, she only needs to activate it. The loud siren can alert people nearby, who can then come forward to help," Lal said. The initiative is being implemented under the Centre's Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. For now, the devices have been distributed to women employees at the Collectorate, but officials said the programme will be expanded to cover schoolgirls, working women, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs).
The administration is also providing the devices to girls receiving the HPV vaccine. Lal said ensuring women's safety was a collective responsibility and such initiatives were aimed at enabling women and girls to step out for education, work and other activities with greater confidence. Women who received the devices welcomed the move, saying the portable alarm would give them an added sense of security while travelling or working outside their homes. A healthcare worker who received the device described it as a useful initiative, saying women often feel vulnerable while travelling. "Now, if we sense danger, we only need to activate the alarm.
It will sound for around two minutes and can be heard up to 50 metres away, making it easier for people nearby to notice and help," she said. Ends Inputs from Manudev Upadhyay
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