TN decides to outsource Childline 1098, calls bids

THE department of children welfare and special services (DCW&SS) has invited tenders to outsource operations of Childline 1098, the emergency helpline for children in distress.

- SUBASHINI VIJAYAKUMAR

The move comes just 1.5 years after the government took direct control of operations. The helpline run under the Mission Vatsalya scheme was taken over by the department on July 31, 2023, following directives from the central government.

Currently, Child Helpline (CHL) services are being provided across 38 districts, 14 railway stations and one bus stand in Tamil Nadu. The social welfare and women empowerment department oversees the initiative at the state level, with technical support provided by the centre for development of advanced computing (CDAC). DCW&SS serves as the nodal agency, coordinating with district administrations to implement the scheme which is sponsored by the central government entirely.