Kerala forms task force to probe rise in POCSO cases in Palakkad

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has formed a special task force to investigate the increase in POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases reported in parts of Palakkad district in recent years.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday ordered the formation of the task force, which will be headed by AIG Poonguzhali IPS.

Focus on four police station limits

According to a government statement, the task force will examine cases reported under the jurisdiction of:

Walayar Police Station

Kollengode Police Station

Meenakshipuram Police Station

Kozhinjampara Police Station

These areas have recorded a comparatively higher number of POCSO cases, officials said.

The panel will include representatives from the District Janajagaran Samithi, District Women’s Cell, Sakhi, District Child Welfare Office, and women’s organisations.

Report to be submitted within three months

The decision follows a recommendation by the Estimates Committee of the 10th Kerala Legislative Assembly, which suggested forming a committee to study the issue.

The Home Minister has directed officials to constitute the task force within three days and submit its report to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department within three months.

Study on impact of digital devices on children

The task force will study the impact of widespread smartphone and digital device use on children's behaviour, emotional well-being and mental health, and examine how children from different social backgrounds are affected.

Officials said the panel will look into local factors contributing to child vulnerability. In areas such as Walayar, which are located near industrial zones, many parents leave children at home while they go to work.

"The report will examine the changes brought about by the widespread use of smartphones and digital devices among children, the social factors behind the rise in cases, and suggest measures to strengthen child protection," the government statement said.

Measures to strengthen child protection

The government said preventing child exploitation requires coordinated efforts from multiple departments, including Police, Education, Health, Social Welfare and Public Relations.

The task force is expected to recommend steps such as awareness programmes, psychological counselling, mental health support for children, and other measures to improve child protection mechanisms in the state.

(With PTI inputs)