One of the key announcements is the establishment of 300 science centres across Kerala under an initiative led by the Kerala State Higher Education Council.
The programme aims to reach approximately 15 lakh young people and develop scientific temper, humanism and curiosity among students and the wider public.
The first sub-centre of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Scientific Temper was inaugurated as part of the initiative.
The programme will also include online courses, educational handbooks and short video content to make scientific knowledge more accessible. An online course developed in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT) is also part of the initiative.
The government expects these activities to encourage students to think critically, question information and develop a better understanding of science.
Siddharth Student Welfare App to Allow Anonymous Ragging Complaints
Another major highlight is the launch of the Siddharth Student Welfare App, which aims to provide students with a confidential platform to report ragging and other problems faced on college campuses.
The application will allow students to submit complaints without disclosing their identities. It will also provide an option to record audio complaints anonymously and alert the concerned authorities about safety-related issues.
The initiative is intended to encourage students to speak up about harassment, ragging and other campus-related concerns without fear of identification.
The app has been named after J. S. Sidharthan, a 20-year-old veterinary student from Nedumangad who died by suicide in February 2024 following alleged ragging at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Pookode, Wayanad.
Siddharth Anti-Ragging Act Under Government Consideration
Along with the mobile application, the Kerala government is also considering a draft of the proposed Siddharth Anti-Ragging Act.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a stronger legal framework to address ragging in educational institutions and facilitate the formation of a state-level anti-ragging commission.
Higher Education Minister Roji M. John has indicated that the government is working towards strengthening measures against ragging and improving student welfare across colleges and universities.
Kerala to Introduce Student Aspiration Survey
The government has also introduced the Student Aspiration Survey to understand the expectations, interests and career aspirations of students pursuing higher education.
The survey is expected to help policymakers better understand students’ needs and identify areas where improvements are required in the higher education system.
Focus on Student Safety and Scientific Education
With 300 proposed science centres, an anonymous student welfare application and a Student Aspiration Survey, Kerala is taking steps to address two important areas of education: scientific awareness and campus safety.
The initiative aims to create an educational environment where students can develop critical thinking skills, access learning opportunities and report problems without fear.
The effectiveness of these programmes will depend on their implementation, accessibility and the response of educational authorities to student concerns.
