Published Aug 10, 2025 | 11:36 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 10, 2025 | 11:36 AM
Child sexual abuse. (Representative image)
The Kerala government has launched Suraksha Mitram, a comprehensive action plan to identify and protect children from abuse and harassment at home and in the community.
The move follows an incident in Alappuzha’s Nooranadu, where a fourth-grader’s notebook revealed abuse by her stepmother and father. (The duo were later arrested).
Under the initiative, help boxes will be set up in all schools for children to confidentially report issues, with headmasters responsible for weekly checks and follow-up action.
Teachers will receive special training to detect behavioral or academic changes in children, encouraging open communication through diary writing and one-on-one interactions.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with departments including Women and Child Development, Social Justice, Health, and Police, ensuring medical care, counseling, and rehabilitation.
Parenting clinics at the block level will be strengthened, and existing government and special homes will be fully utilized.
A key component is training teachers as primary counselors to address students’ mental, physical, and adolescent issues, prevent drug use, and promote mental well-being.
The training, led by the Health Department’s Child Development Center, will roll out in three phases, starting with secondary-level teachers.
General Education Minister V Sivankutty said the government is committed to ensuring children’s safety and well-being.
