Rly child helpdesk inaugurated at Indrali railway stn

Udupi: On the occasion of International Child Helpline Day, a Railway child helpdesk was inaugurated on Saturday at Indrali railway station under the supervision of the District Child Protection Unit, Udupi. The initiative is jointly supported by the Directorate of Child Protection, Bengaluru, district administration, zilla panchayat, District Legal Services Authority, and District Child Protection Unit, Udupi. The desk was inaugurated by deputy commissioner K Vidya Kumari.

She said that some destitute children use railway stations and trains to travel to different places in search of shelter and livelihood. These children, when they arrive at platforms, often face neglect, abuse, humiliation, and exploitation. Lacking proper support, they suffer from various health issues and are deprived of their childhood. She said that it is everyone's responsibility to rescue such children, rehabilitate them, and help them build a better future.

To assist and rescue runaway children or those separated from families, the 24/7 Child Helpline numbers 1098/112 are operational. She urged the public to make calls to these helplines to report children in distress, such as those begging, addicted to substances, or victims of violence, sexual abuse, and educational neglect.

SP Arun K, senior civil judge and member secretary of District Legal Services Authority Yogesh PR, chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee Juhi Damodar, deputy director of the women and child development department Shyamala CK and district child protection officer Nagaratna Nayak were present.