Kerala Cabinet nod for framing anti-ragging law

The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod for framing an ant-ragging law and launching an app in memory of veterinary sciences student J.S. Sidharthan, whose death in February 2024, allegedly following brutal ragging, had triggered a public outcry.

Briefing journalists about the Cabinet decisions, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the app could be used to tip off authorities about ragging incidents.

Both proposals were part of the Revised Budget for 2026-27 presented by the UDF government on June 19. In his Budget speech, Mr. Satheesan had announced that the ‘Sidharthan Student Distress App’ would be introduced, and the ‘Sidharthan Anti-Ragging and Student Welfare Act’ would be enacted to prevent ragging incidents in educational institutions.

The proposals are named after J.S. Sidharthan, a 20-year-old student of the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, who was found dead in his hostel room. The incident had triggered a public outcry and a political controversy at the time.

Investigation agencies had concluded that Sidharthan., a first year student, took his own life after being repeatedly humiliated, assaulted and harassed by senior students.

The Revised Budget had noted that “ragging and campus violence continue to be major issues in colleges across the State and act as barriers to student admissions.”

Buy coir products: CM

The Cabinet also cleared a proposal to organise a campaign to promote coir products during the upcoming Onam season, Mr. Satheesan said. The Chief Minister requested government institutions and private individuals to buy at least one coir product during the upcoming festival season.

The campaign is meant to find markets for unsold coir products and provide a boost to the ailing coir industry.