District Development Commissioner Anantnag, Mr Muneer ul Islam today inaugurated the Child Help Line Anantnag, a 24×7 emergency toll free outreach service for children in need of care and protection to facilitate the linkages for their immediate and long-term rehabilitation. Expressing satisfaction over Anantnag becoming the second district after Srinagar for having the 24×7 helpline, the DDC highlighted the importance of having an interface where children in distress are able to freely communicate and get themselves out of hazardous situations like child labour, etc.On the role of the parents, DDC said that they should understand the psychology of their children and try to cater to their needs fully by providing them conducive environment.
Later, DDC chaired a meeting regarding the sensitisation of masses, in general, and parents and teachers, in particular, about the child rights. He asked the Education, ICDS and Social Welfare Departments to coordinate and make this initiative a success. He called upon the Education Department to devise a programme of events for holding awareness camps in various zones and primary schools so that children and teachers at very grassroot level are sensitised about child rights. He called upon the concerned departments to publicly display the tollfree number of Child Help Line.The meeting was attended by CPO, DSWO, AC Labour, AD Chief Education Office, District Health Officer, and members of the Child Help Line.