Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is set to launch a special initiative aimed at protecting schoolchildren facing abuse at home, State General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced on Friday.

The move follows a deeply troubling incident in Alappuzha district, where a Class 4 student was allegedly subjected to abuse by her father and stepmother in Charummoodu.

As part of the new programme, all schools across Kerala will soon be required to install a confidential “Help Box” system called ‘Suraksha Mithram’, allowing students to safely report instances of mistreatment, neglect, or emotional distress.

“The responsibility of managing the Help Box will rest with the head teacher,” Sivankutty told reporters. “It must be opened at least once a week, and all reports should be reviewed and forwarded to the Department of General Education for further action.”

In addition to the Help Box initiative, a state-wide survey will be conducted with the assistance of student volunteer groups to identify children who may be suffering in silence and ensure they receive proper support.

“The government is fully committed to the safety and well-being of every child,” the minister said, adding that further details of the scheme will be announced in the coming days.

Sivankutty also confirmed that he will personally visit the child in Alappuzha to ensure she is receiving the care and protection she needs.