Visakhapatnam officials urge families not to abandon children
Visakhapatnam’s Women Development and Child Welfare Department has urged people not to leave orphaned, abandoned or deserted children in public places. Officials said a cradle centre at Sishu Gruha in Marripalem accepts infants anonymously and asked residents to contact Child Helpline 1098 when children are found.
The Women Development and Child Welfare Department in Visakhapatnam has appealed to the public not to abandon infants and young children in public places. Ch. Santhoshi, the district women and child welfare and empowerment officer, said children aged up to six years should not be left on roads, in drains, isolated areas or elsewhere.
She said the department had a Cradle Baby Centre at Sishu Gruha in Marripalem. According to Santhoshi, parents or guardians who cannot raise their children may place them safely in the centre’s cradle without fear and without disclosing their identities. She said the arrangement would allow the government to take responsibility for the children’s care.
She urged anyone who finds an orphaned child, or a child placed in the cradle, to immediately inform the authorities or the Child Helpline. The toll-free Child Helpline number is 1098. The department also provided contact numbers for assistance.
The Project Director can be reached on 9440814575, the District Child Protection Officer on 9949136649 and the Sishu Gruha manager on 8919154458. The Child Helpline coordinator is available on 7658942792 and the Child Welfare Committee on 9866084124. Santhoshi said illegally handing over or selling children, as well as abandoning them on roads, was an offence under law.
She urged residents to help ensure that children found in such circumstances are admitted safely to Sishu Gruha. She said the centre would provide children with legal protection and rehabilitation. The supplied report does not specify the number of children currently at the facility or describe any individual case.
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