The Government will soon extend child help line 1098 to 180 more cities in the country. At present, the toll free number is working in 170 cities.

Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath said any child who is in difficult situation and distress can dial this number.

By the end of the 12th Five year plan the services of child help line will be available in 600 cities.

She was speaking in an award function organised in New Delhi to recognise children and Non Voluntary Organisations for their outstanding contribution in different fields.

The Minister said, no to Crackers campaign has responded very well and soon no to Dowry Campaign will be started.

On this occasion, Women and Child development secretary D K Sikri disclosed that a massive Nutrition awareness campaign for children will soon be started in the country. He said India has youngest population in the world and 40 crore of them are children.

27 children were given National Child Awards for Exceptional Achievement in various fields including academics, painting music dance and arts by the Minister.

The Minister also gave away National Awards for child Welfare and Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Awards to different NGOs and individuals.