Railway stations, often bustling with activity, are also places where vulnerable children may find themselves in distress. To ensure their safety and well-being, Child Help Groups (CHGs) have been established as structured review meetings attended by key stakeholders, including railway officials, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members, Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), Chief Ticket Inspectors (CTIs), representatives from CHILDLINE, and NGOs such as Railway Children India. These meetings play a crucial role in overseeing ongoing cases and addressing challenges in child protection efforts. By bringing together multiple agencies and experts, CHGs help streamline interventions, enhance coordination, and fortify safety mechanisms for children at railway stations. Their collective efforts ensure that every child in need receives the care, protection, and legal support required to secure a safe future.
What Are Child Help Groups?
Child Help Groups (CHGs) are dedicated teams formed at railway stations to monitor and implement child protection measures. Their core objective is to ensure that every child who comes in contact with the railway system receives proper care and safeguarding in line with government guidelines and child welfare laws.
Who Comprises a Child Help Group?
Each CHG consists of key stakeholders responsible for child protection at railway stations, including:
– Station Superintendent/Station Master/Station Director/Station Manager (Convener)
– SHO (Government Railway Police – GRP)
– Inspector (Railway Protection Force – RPF)
– Chief Ticket Inspector (CTI)
– Representative from Railway Childline
– Senior Section Engineer (SSE – Works)
These groups work in close collaboration with Child Welfare Committees (CWC), CHILDLINE (1098), and NGOs nominated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, such as Railway Children India, to facilitate the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of children at railway stations.
Roles and Responsibilities of Child Help Groups
CHGs play a crucial role in implementing and enforcing child protection protocols at railway stations. Their responsibilities include:
- Ensuring Implementation of Child Protection Policies
CHGs ensure that all child protection instructions outlined in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) are strictly followed. They oversee the proper functioning of Child Help Desks and coordinate with authorities for immediate interventions.
- Conducting Regular Meetings and Reviews
The Station Superintendent or designated convener organizes monthly meetings—or more frequently when required—to discuss cases, review ongoing efforts, and strategize improvements. Meeting minutes are documented and shared with senior railway officials like ADRM (Additional Divisional Railway Manager), ST.DSC (Station Divisional Security Commissioner), and Sr.DCM (Senior Divisional Commercial Manager).
- Coordinating with NGOs and Welfare Organizations
The Ministry of Women and Child Development identifies and nominates NGOs, such as Railway Children India, to work alongside CHGs, ensuring children receive proper care. These NGOs staff the Child Help Desks, operate helplines, and provide psychological and emotional support to rescued children.
- 24/7 Manning of Child Help Desks
A critical mandate of CHGs is to ensure round-the-clock availability of trained personnel at Child Help Desks. The CHILDLINE (1098) team and NGO representatives play a key role in this operation, ensuring no child in distress goes unnoticed.
- Reviewing and Monitoring Child Protection Activities
CHGs regularly assess child care efforts at stations and seek guidance from Child Welfare Committees (CWC), CHILDLINE, and experienced NGOs for enhanced safety measures. They also prepare a monthly review report, which is submitted to the ADRM for evaluation and policy reinforcement.
- Field Visits for Awareness and Engagement
Beyond formal meetings, CHG members frequently visit Child Help Desks and interact with outreach members, railway vendors, and station personnel to assess the level of awareness about child protection. These visits help bridge communication gaps and strengthen intervention strategies.
The Importance of Child Help Groups in Child Protection
Children found at railway stations often face dire circumstances—escaping abuse, becoming victims of trafficking, or suffering abandonment. CHGs act as a first line of defense, ensuring these children receive:
– Immediate assistance (food, shelter, and medical care)
– Legal and administrative support for their protection
– Safe reunification with their families when possible
– Long-term rehabilitation and care when family reunification is not viable
