The Women Helpline number 181 and Child Helpline number 1098 continue to function as dedicated round-the-clock support services for women and children facing distress, violence or exploitation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, providing immediate assistance, protection and access to essential services.
Operated under the Directorate of Social Welfare, the helplines function from the Women and Child Development Control Room located on VIP Road in Sri Vijaya Puram. The control room serves as a 24×7 emergency response centre, ensuring that women and children in both urban and rural areas have access to timely help during situations of crisis.
According to the department, the primary objective of the helplines is to safeguard the safety, well-being and rights of women and children. Calls received through the helplines are attended to by trained personnel who assess the nature of distress and coordinate appropriate responses through relevant agencies.
The helplines handle cases involving women and children in danger, including those facing violence, abuse or situations requiring urgent intervention. Based on the need, callers are connected with services such as the police, hospitals, One Stop Centres, District Legal Services Authority and other support mechanisms available under the administration.
In addition to emergency response, the helplines also provide counselling support and information on government schemes and programmes related to women’s welfare and child protection. The services aim to guide individuals through available institutional support systems while ensuring confidentiality and sensitivity.
Officials stated that the helplines act as a critical link between vulnerable individuals and multiple departments involved in protection and rehabilitation. By functioning as a single-point contact, the system seeks to reduce delays in response and ensure coordinated action across agencies.
Women facing family-related disputes or other grievances also have the option of approaching District One Stop Centres for support, redressal and amicable resolution. These centres operate alongside the helpline mechanism to provide integrated assistance, including counselling, legal aid and medical support where required.
The Directorate of Social Welfare has emphasized that the services are accessible to any woman or child in need, regardless of location or background. The helplines are intended to serve urban, rural and tribal areas, ensuring inclusive coverage across the Islands.
Members of the public have been advised that women and children can directly dial Women Helpline 181 or Child Helpline 1098 at any time to seek assistance during situations of distress. The department has reiterated that early reporting and timely communication through the helpline system can play a crucial role in ensuring safety and protection.
