Delhi: Poor response to Himmat app

New Delhi: Various women safety awareness initiatives seem to have fallen flat, as the Delhi police’s ambitious Himmat app for women  safety has failed to generate the desired response from women and girls.

The app, which was launched in January 2015, has just managed to get 86,000 downloads, as per the official figures. But as per Google play store, only 1,000 mobile users have downloaded the app and incase of Iphone users, only four people have downloaded the app. In two years since the app was launched, the Delhi police has received only 8,000 SOS calls made via the app.

During a meeting with Delhi police commissioner Amulya Patnaik, all senior police officials were instructed to review all soical media and mobile app interface of the Delhi police that connects the police with the public. After reviewing the performance of Himmat app and other mobile applications of the Delhi police, it was instructed to simplify registration process of all the apps and promote them to make them more popular.

“We have already made the registration process in Himmat app much simple. Earlier when a new user had to answers several questions. Now, new users have to provide two contact numbers of relatives or friends while registering with the app,” said Sanjay Beniwal, special commissioner, women safety, airport and modernisation.

“To make the app user- friendly and make it popular, we are making certain changes to enhance user safety. A special training session will be called for police personnel who will further promote the app among women and other users,” he added.