Kerala to enact strict law and launch 'Siddharth' App to curb campus ragging
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced that the Kerala government will enact stringent legislation aimed at completely eradicating ragging across colleges in the state. As part of this anti-ragging framework, a dedicated mobile application named 'Siddharth' will be introduced to allow students to report incidents of harassment and violence on campuses with complete anonymity.
Strong condemnation over Delhi Police action
Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister expressed strong condemnation over the Delhi Police’s detention of top Congress leaders during demonstrations concerning irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. He termed the police handling of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K C Venugopal, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and other parliamentarians as high-handed and "undemocratic”.
The Chief Minister asserted that the Union government has maintained an excessively harsh posture towards students protesting irregularities in the NEET-UG exam, despite multiple student suicides across the country. He affirmed the state government's full support for the students' struggle for justice and noted that the Kerala Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution condemning the police action to be forwarded to the Centre.
‘Never denied audience to Aloysius Xavier or others’
Clarifying reports surrounding discussions with student representatives, Chief Minister Satheesan stated that he had engaged with the Kerala Students Union (KSU) leadership and addressed their concerns. He also refuted claims that he had refused an audience to KSU state president Aloysius Xavier, clarifying that he was informed that the Chief Minister would be present on the day at the Ernakulam Guest House from 10 am to 1 pm. Satheesan claimed that that no individual, whether from underprivileged backgrounds or public organisations, is ever denied permission to meet him.
Key administrative and policy decisions announced
- Police probe team in Nithin Raj case reconstituted: The Chief Minister confirmed that administrative action has been taken regarding the arrest of accused Ram in Nithin Raj case, and the investigating team handling the case has been reconstituted.
- Tata Group engagements: He shared visual evidence of his recent discussions with representatives from Tata Group regarding state initiatives.
- PM SHRI Scheme: The report regarding the PM SHRI scheme will be reviewed once the designated Cabinet sub-committee submits its findings.
- Kudumbashree and coir sector drive: A special marketing campaign will be organised ahead of Onam to boost sales of state coir products.