Child help desk at Sec’bad Railway Station

In a welcome move that will also come as music to thousands of distraught parents, the Secunderabad Division of South Central Railway unveiled yet another commuter-friendly scheme. Among the biggest problems faced by railways all over the country is the regularity with which a number of hapless and helpless children are found in the premises and vicinity of railways stations and also inside compartments.

They include those who run away from their homes or ones who have been abandoned. Taking a lead in addressing the problem, and to help trace ‘missing’ child’s parents and guardians, SCR has tied up with Divya Disha, a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) that aids child protection.

The first of the uniquely conceptualised child help desk was inaugurated on platform No 1 of Secunderabad Station by Chandrima Roy, additional divisional railway manager (operations). The event was graced by Sumati Shandilya, senior divisional security commissioner, RPF, Secunderabad Division, and a host of railway officials.

The child help desk will provide temporary transit care and protection to a child found by the railway personnel or other likeminded citizens. It will be manned round-the-clock by representatives of Divya Disha, who will have facilities like toys, first-aid boxes and food to provide immediate relief to the child who is found uncared for.

After a medical check-up, the authorities will provide suitable health care till the child is produced before the Child Welfare Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. Locating the parents and restoring the child to the family will be foremost in the minds of representatives of SCR and Divya Disha. The officials exhorted the citizens to render their bit in this noble quest.