SHILLONG: The Child Helpline Service (1098) in Meghalaya is set to receive a substantial boost, as the state’s Social Welfare Department greenlit the creation of 14 new positions to fortify the service’s reach and effectiveness recently.
These newly approved positions encompass a diverse range of roles, including 1 IT supervisor, 10 call operators, 1 multi-purpose staff, and 2 security guards.
Informing about the development, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh emphasised the significance of the expansion. He highlighted the origins of the service, which began with a lone child helpline administrator when it was activated in 2019.
The addition of these 14 new positions marks a remarkable evolution, as the service continues to evolve in its mission to support and protect children, he said.
Lyngdoh reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of the community, mentioning the activation of the women helpline “181”.
He also underlined the integration of advanced technology, including state-of-the-art gadgets and call tracking systems, to ensure a swift and efficient response to calls.
“With the introduction of cutting-edge technology, we aim to track calls and responses effectively. Additionally, a dedicated website has been activated to optimize the efficiency of this service,” he added.
Underlining the steadfast commitment to delivering uninterrupted assistance, Lyngdoh also highlighted the introduction of a dedicated website focused on the protection of children and women.
“This website is designed to enhance the efficiency of the Child and Women Helpline Service, ensuring that it remains accessible and effective for individuals seeking aid,” he said.
The Meghalaya government’s commitment to bolster both child and women protection services reflects a broader commitment to creating a safer environment for its citizens. With these initiatives in place, the state aims to provide accessible and effective assistance to those in need, ensuring that the helpline services are at their peak performance.
