Kerala to launch ‘Sidharthan Student Distress App’ to tackle ragging and campus violence

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has announced the launch of the ‘Sidharthan Student Distress App’ to help prevent ragging and violence in colleges across the state as part of Kerala budget 2026. The initiative is part of a broader set of measures aimed at strengthening student safety and welfare on campuses.

He also announced the implementation of the Sidhartha Anti-Ragging and Student Welfare Act to ensure safer and more secure educational institutions.

As part of efforts to improve employability, bridge programmes and specialised courses will be introduced to help graduates secure jobs more quickly. An academic council will also be constituted to reduce excessive political interference in academic affairs, along with the introduction of an ombudsman system in colleges to address student grievances.

For higher education, ₹232.1 crore has been allocated for technical education, while ₹10 crore has been earmarked for the establishment of the Jawaharlal Nehru Scientific City. A further ₹203.93 crore has been sanctioned for the arts and cultural sector.

Key infrastructure and cultural allocations include ₹10 crore for the renovation of Thrissur Thekkinkadu Maidanam and ₹5 crore for the construction of the Sivagiri Pilgrimage Platinum Jubilee Memorial Convention Centre.

The budget also outlines administrative reforms, including steps to streamline governance by reducing hierarchical layers to speed up file movement and improve efficiency. A performance evaluation system for officials will also be introduced to enhance service delivery.

A zero-tolerance policy will be adopted against crimes against children, with a confidential toll-free helpline and online portal set up for reporting complaints.

In addition, police units such as the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) will be strengthened to intensify anti-drug operations. The government also plans to increase the deployment of women Station House Officers across more police stations.