The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Sunday asked private TV news channels to display four new national helplines as a ticker or other appropriate ways at periodic intervals to benefit citizens as part of the COVID-19 awareness initiative.
"In order to further this cause, the private TV channels are advised to promote awareness of the following four national level helpline numbers by way of a ticker or such appropriate ways as they may consider at periodical intervals, especially during prime time," it said.
The four numbers are 1075, the child helpline number, 1098, the senior citizens' helpline, 14567 in Delhi, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and 08046110007 of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences for psychological support.
"As you are aware, the number of cases of COVID-19 in the country, while witnessing a downward trend, is still high. Over the last several months, the government has created awareness through various instrumentalities and media platforms, including print, TV, radio, social media, etc. for creating awareness on the three critical issues - COVID treatment protocol, COVID appropriate behaviour and vaccination," the ministry's letter to private news channels read.
"National helpline numbers for the benefit of the citizens were also created and propagated by the government," it added.