People urged not to abandon children

The Women Development and Child Welfare Department has appealed to the public not to leave orphaned, abandoned or deserted children aged up to six years on roads, in drains, isolated areas or other public places.

Ch. Santhoshi, District Women and Child Welfare and Empowerment Officer (DW&CW&EO), Visakhapatnam, said a Cradle Baby Centre was available at Sishu Gruha in Marripalem to ensure the safety of infants and enable the government to take responsibility for their care.

Parents or guardians who were unable to raise their children could safely place them in the cradle at the centre without fear, and without disclosing their identity, she said.

She urged people to immediately inform the authorities or the Child Helpline if they found an orphaned child or a child placed in the cradle. The toll-free Child Helpline 1098 can be contacted for assistance.