In September 2025, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) launched a new safety feature integrated into its ‘Namaste BHU’ mobile app, offering a lifesaving emergency alert system exclusively for female students. Activated with a quick tap, the safety button sends real-time location and personal details to the university’s Proctorial Board control room, while also offering options to call for help or trigger a loud audible alert. A dedicated nine-member team monitors the system, ensuring swift responses.
This innovation demonstrates the power of mobile tech to enhance campus safety in vulnerable situations, and serves as a scalable model for other institutions.
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Why It Matters & What You Can Do
Immediate support: Simple to use tech delivers faster, coordinated emergency responses.
Roll it out: Advocate for similar safety button features in apps across campuses, workplaces, or communities.
Raise awareness: Share the initiative with peers, safety officers, and school administrators.
Stay involved: Provide feedback to improve the system over time.