Which Indian state became the first to launch the pan India single emergency number 112 under the Emergency Response Support System?

Introduction / Context:
Emergency numbers are vital for public safety, allowing citizens to quickly connect with police, fire, health, and other rescue services. India introduced a unified emergency number 112 under the Emergency Response Support System, similar to 911 in the United States. Current affairs questions often ask which state first implemented a new national initiative. This question focuses on the first Indian state to launch the pan India single emergency number 112.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question refers to the unified emergency number 112 for India.
The launch is under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS).
We must identify the first state to launch this system and number.
The options are Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Concept / Approach:
When a new nationwide system is rolled out, it is common for one pilot state to implement it first before broader adoption. For emergency number 112, Himachal Pradesh was selected as the first state where the ERSS system and the single number were officially launched. Many news articles highlighted Himachal Pradesh as the first state to provide the integrated service where existing emergency numbers like 100, 101, and 108 were merged into 112. Recognising this fact allows you to pick the correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question is about the first state to launch the pan India single emergency number 112. Step 2: Remember that 112 is part of the Emergency Response Support System, which integrates various emergency services. Step 3: Recall from current affairs that Himachal Pradesh was repeatedly mentioned as the first state to implement ERSS with number 112. Step 4: Compare the listed states and look for Himachal Pradesh among the options. Step 5: Select Himachal Pradesh as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check by recalling that the official launch ceremony took place in Himachal Pradesh, where the Union Home Minister inaugurated the system. Reports emphasised that it was the first state to roll out 112 as a single emergency number, linking police, fire, health, and women helplines. Other large states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh implemented it later, which confirms that Himachal Pradesh holds the first state distinction for this project.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Haryana: Although an important state in northern India, it was not the first to launch the pan India emergency number 112. Madhya Pradesh: Implemented emergency arrangements later, but did not have the first launch of 112 under ERSS. Uttar Pradesh: A large state where 112 is now active, yet it was not the pioneer state for this national system.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to guess a big or more frequently mentioned state like Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh, assuming that larger population automatically means being first in implementation. Another pitfall is to confuse 112 with other helpline numbers, such as 1091 or 181, and mix up related schemes. To avoid these issues, link the specific number 112 with the pilot implementation in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh, which stands out if you have followed national news summaries for competitive exams.

Final Answer:
The first Indian state to launch the pan India single emergency number 112 under ERSS was Himachal Pradesh.