The second phase of ‘Operation Muskaan,’ a campaign to trace and rescue missing children, has been launched in Vellore and Tiruvnanamalai districts.
On Monday, Collectors R. Nanthagopal (Vellore) and A. Gnanasekaran (Tiruvannamalai) flagged off the vehicles for ‘Operation Muskaan-II.’ Under this campaign, missing children and those found abandoned would be rescued and reunited with their families.
A special team comprising officials of the district children protection office, social welfare department, police department, differently abled welfare office, labour department, Childline 1098 and NGOs has been constituted for “Operation Muskaan-II”.
In Tirvannamalai
In Tiruvannamalai district, the committee had been formed and assistance was being provided to such children who had been rescued. Measures are being taken to re-unite these children with their parents, a press release said.
Public can provide information to the Tiruvannamalai Collector’s office on phone number – (04175) 233333, Superintendent of Police office – 233633/233234, district children protection office – 233030, child welfare committee – 237098, district social welfare office – 233810, district differently abled welfare office – 233626 and 24-hour child helpline – 1098.
In Vellore, officials said the vehicle that was flagged off would travel across one area everyday to trace such children. “We already have a list of missing children that is being followed. We will also cover children found on the roadsides and public places such as bus stands,” an official said. According to a press release, ‘Operation Muskaan-II’ was being carried out in all the States to rescue missing and abandoned children. Accordingly, the campaign has been rolled out in all districts of Tamil Nadu from July 1 to 31.
