Kerala to Launch Special Initiative for Children Facing Abuse at Home

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is set to launch a special programme aimed at protecting schoolchildren who are victims of abuse at home, state General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced on Friday.

The initiative follows a distressing case from Alappuzha district, where a Class 4 student was allegedly subjected to abuse by her father and stepmother.

As part of the new plan, all schools across the state will install a "Help Box' to provide students with a safe and confidential way to report their concerns.

"The responsibility for the box will rest with the Headmaster or Headmistress. It must be opened at least once a week, the submissions reviewed, and the relevant information forwarded to the Department of General Education,' the minister said.

In addition, a survey will be conducted in schools with the help of student volunteer groups to identify children who may be silently enduring abuse.

"The government is fully committed to the safety and well-being of every child,' Sivankutty assured.

He also stated that the full details of the programme will be released shortly.

The minister added that he would personally visit the young girl in Charummoodu, Alappuzha, to ensure she receives the necessary care and support.