The Childline, a programme supported by the Centre under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICDS) to provide services to children in distress, has
started its operations in Gajapati district.
According to Childline director Sudhir Sabat, Gajapati is a traffic-prone district. A large number of teenagers from the district are trafficked to other parts of the country every year, he added. “Keeping in view, the programme has been launched in the district,” he said.
Sabat said Childline campaigners would be active in all blocks including most vulnerable Mohana block. The campaigners would help the district administration to stop child trafficking, he added.
He also said the Childline would expand its operation gradually and try to increase the number of workers.
District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Arun Tripathy said the administration would involve panchayat members in the awareness campaign.
Notably, 17 districts of the State are now covered under this programme.