Date:17/12/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/17/stories/2002121703351300.htm

National

Free phone service for children in distress

New Delhi Dec. 16. Children in distress can avail themselves of a round-the-clock free phone service that will respond to emergency situations, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

The basic objective of the Childline service, which can be accessed by dialling 1098, is to respond to children in emergency situations. It will refer children including child beggars, in specially difficult circumstances, to relevant governmental and non-governmental organisations to facilitate rehabilitation, the Minister of State for Social Justice, S.B. Mookherjee, said in a written reply.

The Childline service can be accessed even by an adult on behalf of any child in distress, the Minister said, adding that his Minstry is assisting the scheme.

The Government would soon reconstitute the Central Waqf Council, whose term had expired, the Minister said. — UNI