PNS | Vijayawada
The fate of vulnerable children in Andhra Pradesh hangs in the balance as the government struggles to appoint personnel to operate Childline (CHL) 1098, the toll-free helpline number dedicated to protecting children across India.
Childline, previously managed by the Ministry of Women Development and Child Welfare (WCD) through the NGO Childline Foundation, is set to undergo a significant transition under Mission Vatsalya.
Until now, the City Childline and Railway Childline units have been responsible for rescuing runaway children, street children, and those affected by drug addiction, among others, in public places, bus and railway stations.
These units have actively responded to calls reporting child marriages, child labour, and child harassment cases. However, in a move to centralise operations, the Government of India has decided to operate Childline directly through the WCD in all states from 2023.
To implement this change, the Government released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) several months ago, mandating that each state’s WCD should implement Childline through the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in all districts. The SOP also emphasises the need for special units at the state and district levels to handle calls received on the helpline numbers 1098 or 112. These units are expected to work under the supervision of District Child Protection Officers.
The WCD, Government of India, has issued a notice to the Childline Foundation, requesting their withdrawal from operating Childline 1098 as of June 19, 2023. However, as of now, no district has issued the necessary notification or appointed the required personnel to take over these critical responsibilities. The absence of trained staff at Childline jeopardises the rescue and proper rehabilitation of vulnerable children, hindering their reunification with their families.
BVS Kumar, former chairman of the Child Welfare Committee in Krishna district, stressed the vital role played by Childline in protecting children and safeguarding their rights, as outlined in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, amended in 2022. He said that most children brought before the Child Welfare Committee have been rescued by Childline.
Without a well-trained Childline staff, the safety and well-being of these children are at significant risk. Kumar appealed to the authorities to appoint the necessary personnel promptly. Additionally, if the government intends to replace the toll-free number with 112 instead of 1098, the WCD and Railways must ensure extensive publicity for the new helpline.
Reports suggest that the current staff of Childline has been requested to continue working temporarily for an additional two months until new appointments are made according to the SOP. However, there is a possibility that these staff members may seek alternative employment options, as the temporary period may not foster a sense of dedication.
Urgent action is needed from the concerned officials to expedite the appointment of essential personnel to ensure the effective operation of Childline 1098.
The fate of vulnerable children in Andhra Pradesh hinges on the prompt resolution of this personnel crisis. Authorities must recognise the urgency and act swiftly to protect and rescue these children, providing them with the care and support they deserve.
