Kozhikode: The Childline India Foundation will screen the trains to trace runaway children and those involved in trafficking and begging. A 24x7 Childline help desk for this purpose will be opened at Kozhikode, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram railway stations this month. “Train is the major mode of travel for children who either run away from homes or are trapped by the mafia for trafficking and begging. They would be rescued and sent to their native places or children’s homes,” said Childline district coordinator M.P Mohammadali.
As many as 12 staff members were selected for each station, including a Childline railway coordinator and a counsellor. “A total of 66 trains halt at Kozhikode station daily. Our volunteers will inspect each train and railway premises and if any children are traced, they would be rescued with the help of Railway Protection Force,” Mr Ali said. According to sources, the RPF was tipped off about roaming children so far, but the result was not encouraging.
“Passengers who come across such children in trains or railway premises can contact Childline toll free number 1098 round the clock,” said K.I. Akash Francis, Childline railway coordinator at Kozhikode. According to Childline Malappuram coordinator Anwar Karakkadan, the helpline desk is operational at 20 important railway stations outside Kerala and assistance was provided to 4443 children till date.
