Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Government takeover of child helpline sparks decline in service quality
In 2023, the Indian government decided to run the child helpline number 1098 itself, instead of letting a charity called the Childline India Foundation and many local NGOs run it.
After the change, fewer people called the number and the people who answered were slower to help.
In one village, a child‑labour case was not fixed quickly, and in another, sick children were not treated fast enough.
The government says the new system is faster and stops child marriage, but activists say it is not working well for children.
Staff who work at the helpline say they are paid late and have less food and water for the children they help.
In 2023 the Indian government took over the 1098 child helpline, ending its partnership with the Childline India Foundation and partner NGOs.
Calls to 1098 have dropped sharply, with Maharashtra, Punjab, Delhi and Assam reporting three‑fold declines since the takeover.
Activists report delayed responses, lack of on‑site action, and reduced support for rescued children, citing examples from Dhule and Shirpur.
Government officials claim the new system is more efficient, citing reduced test calls and increased child‑marriage prevention.
Staff at child‑helpline desks report salary delays, reduced resources, and increased workload under the new government structure.
- Who
- Indian government officials, child‑rights activists, NGOs, and helpline staff
- What
- The government took over the 1098 child helpline, ending its partnership with the Childline India Foundation and partner NGOs, leading to a decline in service quality
- When
- Takeover in 2023; decline noted in 2024‑25 and 2025‑26
- Where
- India, especially Maharashtra, Punjab, Delhi and Assam
- Why
- To create a unified national helpline under the “one nation, one helpline” initiative
- Helpline number
- 1098
- Year of takeover
- 2023
- Call decline in Maharashtra
- three‑fold drop
- Staff salary delay
- up to 3 months
- Partner NGOs previously
- over 1,000