Reasi, October 29 (BANN): In a major step towards enhancing child safety and welfare, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Nidhi Malik, inaugurated a 24×7 Child Helpdesk at the Reasi Bus Stand. The initiative is aimed at providing round-the-clock support and immediate assistance to children who are lost, abandoned, missing, or found in distress.
The Child Helpdesk has been established under the Mission Vatsalaya Scheme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, in collaboration with the District Administration Reasi. It seeks to create a protective environment for children in vulnerable situations, especially at public places such as bus stands and railway stations.
Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Malik emphasized the importance of developing safe spaces for children in crowded public areas. She said that the helpdesk would serve as a crucial contact point for identifying, rescuing, and rehabilitating children in need of care and protection. She further stressed the importance of counseling and proper reintegration of rescued children with their families or shelter homes.
The DC also urged the public to remain alert and report any child found in distress by calling the Childline Helpline 1098, a 24-hour toll-free number dedicated to child protection.
The helpdesk will operate under the supervision of District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Reasi, Sachin Sharma, and will be managed by trained staff and outreach workers committed to ensuring child safety and welfare.
The establishment of this Child Helpdesk marks another milestone in Reasi’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its child protection services, ensuring that no child is left unattended or unheard in times of need.
The inauguration event was attended by DCPO Sachin Sharma, District Information Officer, and officials from the Social Welfare Department.
