Pics by: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Jun 12: In-house training for child helpline staff and celebration of World Anti Child Labour Day was held on Wednesday, June 12 at Sri Krishna Balaniketana, Udupi.
District and sessions judge C.M. Joshi inaugurated the programme. “Child helpline is functioning in all the districts of Karnataka. It has played a saviour for children in Udupi, especially those who have migrated here from other places. During my service in Udupi, I have encountered that children who have migrated here from other places, usually accompany their parents and hail from financially weak backgrounds. They face problems from their parents as well as society.”
“Because of financial constraints, some parents leave their children in bus stations, railway stations and in other places. These abandoned children are in search of a shelter. Some also drop off their children in tourist places. Some children due to poverty work in various places. These children also need helpline for assistance. This helpline is a pivotal centre. The staff of this helpline system need good training to manage it,” he added.
Speaking about the helpline number, Chithra Anchan, a trainer said, “This helpline is a toll free number. The 1098 helpline number is adopted on the suggestions of the children themselves. This number is easy to remember for children. The helpline works 24X7, 365 days of the year. From its inception in 1996, the helpline number has received 78 million calls for various reasons all over India. In Udupi, the helpline number has started working from March 8. Along with this, there is railway child helpline number also. Through this number the trafficking of children through train can be stopped and children abandoned in railway stations can be rescued,” she said.
Ramanji, a child who migrated from Andhra Pradesh and was rescued by Namma Bhoomi Foundation, who later succeeded in life was honoured on the occasion.
Training session was held for staff and police officials connected with the child helpline.
Udupi SP Nisha James, Assistant District Commissioner Vidyakumari, Member of District Legal Services Authority Kaveri Lele, Ramachandra Upadhyaya, Narayan B.K. were present.