Childline Dimapur to be under State Social Welfare Department

Past and present members of Childline Dimapur including guests and well-wishers during the thanksgiving programme held at AIDA, Dos Bosco Dimapur on September 9. (Morung Photo).

Past and present members of Childline Dimapur including guests and well-wishers during the thanksgiving programme held at AIDA, Dos Bosco Dimapur on September 9. (Morung Photo).

Thanksgiving programme organised by Prodigals’ Home and CECS held in Dimapur  

Morung Express News 
Dimapur | September 9

A thanksgiving programme was held for the team members of Childline Dimapur which has been successfully integrated under the State Social Welfare Department beginning from September 1. The programme was organised by the Community Educational Centre Society (CECS) and Prodigals’ Home at AIDA, Dos Bosco Dimapur on September 9. 

Childline 1098 is a national helpline outreach service for children in need of care, protection and guarantee of their rights. The project has been initiated under the Ministry of Women and Child Development with Childline India Foundation as its overall nodal organisation. For Childline Dimapur which began in the year 2011, CECS has been its nodal organisation with Prodigals’ Home as the collaborative partner.  Since its inception, the scope of operation was subsequently broadened to over five more districts (Kohima, Mokokchung, Peren, Kiphire and Mon) in the state.

Marking a new chapter in its operation under the Social Welfare Department, the programme was attended by past and present members who had worked tirelessly for over the last 12 years. 

Director of Prodigals’ Home, K Ela speaking on the occasion thanked all those who had been a part of team working for the welfare of children. “The good record set by the team in spite of all hardships, challenges and constraints helped pave the way for expansion of CL in Nagaland to other districts of the state,” she said. 

She added that now under the Mission Vatsalya, the Nagaland Childline 1098 is here to stay for children, to protect them, fight for their rights and give them a dignified childhood as citizens of the country and the state. 

In addition, she expressed gratitude to all the government heads, law enforcement, Child Protection Services, Social Welfare Department, Nagaland for their ceaseless support and encouragement throughout their journey. 

“We have learnt much, are enriched and our commitment towards a safer environment for all children is as strong as ever,” she said.

Nodal officer and director of CECS, Subonenba Longkumer, meanwhile mentioned that as Childline Dimapur was previously working under the district level, the government felt the need to upgrade it to cover the entire state under a centralised system.

 “Before Childline came into existence, we did not have a mechanism to address the grievances of children,” he mentioned. 

But ever since its activation, the project has made a positive impact on the society across all levels including at the government level even today, he added. 

Speeches were also delivered by team members of CL including guests and well-wishers such as Officer-in-charge, Women Police Station, Rose Yanthan and Kahuto Chishi.