A fake message is doing the rounds among people in Telangana, that claims that the Childline India Foundation will collect excess food and distribute it to needy children in the state.
“Good news in Telangana. If you have a function/party at your home and when you see food wasted, please don’t hesitate to call 1098. They will come and collect the food. Please circulate this message which can help feed many children. Helping hands are better than praying lips,” the message reads.
However, Childline India Foundation, which oversees the '1098' helpline, provides no such service.
According to reports, this is an old hoax that has resurfaced, as it had earlier claimed that the initiative was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"We understand there is a chain mail circulating that says - one should call up 1098 to pick up left over food after a party etc. so that it is not wasted. This is not true. We are India 's only and most widespread Children's phone emergency outreach service (1098) for children in need of care and protection. We do not pick up food or distribute food. This mail was not initiated by us, kindly do not circulate it. Your cooperation is appreciated," Childline India Foundation said in a statement on its website.
CHILDLINE India Foundation (CIF) is a well-recognised NGO working for protection of child rights by running a toll-free helpline for street children in distress since 1996.
According to the foundation's website, "CIF is the nodal agency of the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development acting as the parent organisation for setting up, managing and monitoring the CHILDLINE 1098 service all over the country. CIF is the sole agency/body responsible for establishing the CHILDLINE service in the cities/districts of the country, monitoring of service delivery and finance, training, research and documentation, creating awareness, advocacy as well as resource generation for the service."