Shillong, Apr 2: Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla said that the department would create awareness to improve the service of 24X7 helpline number 181 to assist women in distress and facing harassment.

“There is need to create more awareness on the usefulness of this helpline number in the state,” Shylla told reporters here on Monday.

He said that people especially in rural areas are yet to be aware of this helpline number, adding the department will take steps to improve the service of helpline number.

The helpline number 181 aims at providing all kinds of assistance – legal, police, medical, counseling and temporary support services – to women affected by violence.

Its centre is currently situated at Ganesh Das Government Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Shillong.