DC inaugurates 24×7 Child Helpdesk at Bus Stand Reasi

REASI, OCTOBER 29: In a significant step towards strengthening child protection and the welfare mechanism in the district, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Nidhi Malik today inaugurated a Child Helpdesk at the Bus Stand.
The Child Helpdesk, which will function round the clock (24×7), aims to provide immediate assistance, support, and protection to children in need of care and protection, including those who are lost, abandoned, missing or found in distress.
This initiative has been launched under Mission Vatsalaya Scheme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, in collaboration with District Administration Reasi.
DC Nidhi Malik emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for children at public places like bus stands and railway stations. She stated that the Helpdesk will act as a crucial point of contact for identifying, rescuing and rehabilitating vulnerable children, while also ensuring proper counseling and reintegration with their families or shelter homes.
She further appealed to the general public to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding children, and to immediately report any child found in distress to the Childline Helpline 1098, a 24-hour toll-free emergency number dedicated to child protection.
The Helpdesk will be operated under the supervision of DCPO Reasi, Sachin Sharma and manned by trained staff and outreach workers dedicated to child safety and welfare.
The establishment of this Child Helpdesk marks another milestone in Reasi’s ongoing efforts to strengthen 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, DIO and officials of the Social welfare Department.