CH NEWS
HUBBALLI
Even after years of directives, many government and private schools across Karnataka have failed to display the child helpline number 1098 prominently on their premises. The helpline, launched in 1998-99, is meant to offer 24x7 support to children in distress, but its visibility in educational institutions remains poor.
In 2022, the education department issued a circular instructing schools to display the helpline number on their walls and websites. However, the directive was poorly implemented. Recently, officials have renewed efforts to ensure compliance, urging schools to take immediate steps.
Sangamesh Babaleshwar, President of the Karnataka Bal Vikas Academy, noted that only some schools — mainly Karnataka Public Schools — have complied. “We remind headmasters and staff during our visits. The board costs very little and should be visible from anganwadis to PU colleges,” he said.
Anjali Ramanna, a juvenile rights advocate, blamed lack of coordination between departments and insufficient budgeting for poor implementation. “This is not just about helplines; it reflects larger gaps in child protection,” she said.
Shankar Halagatti, editor of children’s magazine Gubbachhi Gudu, criticised the absence of child protection committees in many schools, calling it a systemic failure. “Teachers and officials themselves are unaware of the rules. An audit is necessary,” he said.
Commissioner of Public Instruction, KV Trilokchandra, stated in a circular dated June 26 that daily morning assemblies must include an orientation about the helpline. He also directed that all textbooks and notebooks be stamped with the 1098 helpline number, with enforcement to be ensured by DDPIs and BEOs.