Sri Vijaya Puram, June16: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has renewed its appeal to residents to make use of the Government of India’s dedicated Women Helpline (181) and Child Helpline (1098), which operate round the clock to provide immediate assistance, protection and guidance to women and children facing distress, violence, exploitation or other emergencies.
According to the Directorate of Social Welfare, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Control Room at VIP Road in Sri Vijaya Puram functions throughout the year and serves as the central point for handling calls received through both helpline numbers.
Officials said the helplines have been established with the objective of ensuring the safety, well-being and protection of women and children while facilitating access to various support services during times of crisis.
The services are designed to respond to a range of situations, including cases involving violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and other circumstances requiring urgent intervention. Calls received through the helplines are assessed and, wherever necessary, connected to relevant agencies for immediate assistance.
The Directorate stated that the helplines work in coordination with multiple departments and institutions, including the Police, hospitals, the One Stop Centre, the District Legal Services Authority and other welfare and protection agencies. This integrated approach enables callers to access legal, medical, psychological and social support under a single response mechanism.
Apart from emergency assistance, the helplines also provide counselling services and information about various government schemes and welfare programmes related to women and child protection. Officials said awareness about available support systems remains an important aspect of ensuring timely intervention and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
The administration noted that women and children often face challenges in reporting incidents due to social stigma, lack of awareness or limited access to support services. The helplines aim to bridge this gap by offering a confidential and accessible platform through which assistance can be sought at any hour of the day.
In addition to telephonic support, individuals can directly approach the Women and Child Development Control Room located near Narayan Guru Mandir on VIP Road. The facility addresses grievances relating to family disputes, welfare concerns and other issues affecting women and children.
Officials said efforts are being made to ensure that support services remain accessible not only in urban areas but also in rural and tribal regions of the islands. The objective is to create a responsive mechanism capable of reaching vulnerable sections of society irrespective of their location.
The administration has encouraged citizens, community leaders, educational institutions and local organisations to spread awareness about the availability of the helplines so that those in need can access assistance without delay.
By strengthening access to emergency response, counselling and welfare services, the administration hopes to enhance protection mechanisms for women and children while promoting a safer and more supportive environment across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
