Hubli
Childline 1098, managed by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) under the Women and Child Welfare Department, has received more than 600 calls in a year. Reports of child marriage, kidnapping, and sexual harassment were among the cases. Specifically, 42 calls were made to prevent child marriages. Two helpline centers are located in Hubballi and Dharwad.
Initially launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Childline 1098 was previously operated by a non-governmental organization (NGO) before transitioning to the DCPU in 2023. The service aims to protect the rights of children aged 0 to 18 and assists children needing care and protection, especially vulnerable groups.
According to reports, earlier operations were managed by NGOs. Now, the DCPU oversees the service. Two help desks are in place: one at SSS Railway Station and another at the DCPU Office in Dharwad. An increase in child-related harassment and missing cases has been noted. Staff members work around the clock to address these issues, with six employees stationed at the railway help desk and eight at the Dharwad desk. A counselor is also available to assist children in conflict.
In the past year, 28 child marriages were prevented due to calls received at the help desk. Childline help desks are present in major railway stations and KSRTC bus stands in Bengaluru and Vijayapura. Awareness programs about Childline 1098 have been conducted in schools, and all educational institutes are required to display the helpline number prominently.
