The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a significant step to enhance the safety, security and protection of women and children. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath the government is set to strengthen the state’s Helpline numbers. Several measures will be taken to enhance the Child helpline number 1098 and the Women Helpline Desk 1090.

Increasing the number of staff

In order to commence the plans the state government will increase staffing at both district-level and state-level. These staffs will work at the Child Helpline units and the Women and Child Helpline control rooms. The initiative also includes expanding the presence of child help desks at key public transit locations such as railway and bus stations.

Furthermore, to address the growing number of distress calls, five additional call takers will be deployed at the Women and Child Helpline control room. This will ensure faster response times and immediate support for needy women and children in difficult situations.

Additionally, each district’s Child Protection Unit will receive three Multi-Tasking cum Security Staff, further enhancing on-ground safety mechanisms.

Child help desks

According to reports, currently the initiative is operational at 23 railway stations. More child help desks will soon be established at five more locations. This includes Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Bulandshahr, and Ghaziabad. Making the total number of city’s with child help desks to 28.

Furthermore, at bus stations, the number of child help desks will increase from 4 to 11. This will be implemented by the end of the year 2025 or by the beginning of 2026. New desks to be set up in Agra, Chandauli, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Varanasi.

Approval from the Centre

The Yogi government’s ambitious plan has received approval from the Government of India. It is scheduled for implementation during 2025–26. By expanding outreach, improving response systems, and increasing awareness of child rights, the Yogi government aims to ensure that no child in Uttar Pradesh is left without timely assistance during a crisis.

Uttar Pradesh Child and Women helpline numbers