Sri Vijaya Puram, July 4: The Child Helpline-1098, functioning under the Directorate of Social Welfare, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, conducted a series of awareness programs during the month of June 2026 with the objective of promoting child protection, safeguarding child rights, and disseminating information on the services provided by Child Helpline-1098, WomenHelpline-181, and the Women & Child Development (WCD) Control Room functioning at VIP Road near GST Office.
The awareness programs were organized at Lamba Line, Junglighat Austinabad, Dollygunj, Haddo Ratri Niwas, Pahargaon, and Haddo. The sessions focused on key child protection issues, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Prevention of Child Trafficking, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, Child Rights, reporting mechanisms for children in need of care and protection, and the emergency support services available through Child Helpline-1098, Women Helpline-181, at the WCD Control Room.
The participants were sensitized on the importance of timely reporting of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking, and other forms of violence against children. The participants were also informed about the roles and responsibilities of various child protection agencies designed to safeguard children from abuse, neglect, exploitation like National & State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) and Child Helpline-1098.
The awareness sessions were facilitated by the Helpline Administrator (i/c) and Call Operators of Child Helpline-1098. A total of 216 participants actively attended the programs and benefitted from the interactive sessions.
The initiative received an encouraging response from the participants and significantly enhanced public awareness regarding child rights, child protection mechanisms, and the importance of community participation in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. The campaign also reinforced awareness about the round-the-clock services provided through Child Helpline-1098, Women Helpline-181, and the WCD Control Room for women and children in distress.