Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police is set to launch a Student Security Scheme coinciding with the commencement of the new academic year. The move is part of the intensified efforts to keep a tab on drug gangs which may become more active with the reopening of schools. The scheme aims to ensure the safety of students commuting to and from educational institutions.
The directive is to monitor tuition centres, colleges and all areas en route to the institution, said Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar, who is in charge of law and order.
Details of those regularly seen on school premises and vendors frequenting the area would be collected. The police officers would visit schools from time to time.
Places frequented by students such as malls in cities would be under the surveillance of the police special branch.
As per the scheme a police officer would visit schools to take classes for students in Classes 8 to 12 to caution them on the consequences they would have to face if are embroiled in police cases.
School authorities would be directed to meticulously take attendance and to also install surveillance cameras outside schools within a radius of 100 metres.
Vidhya Vahan app mandatory
The Transport Department has made the Vidhya Vahan app mandatory for granting fitness certificates for the school buses. All information such as the speed, the time of commencement of the trip and the current location of the bus can be tracked on the app. Using the app, the parents can also talk to the driver, helper, and school authorities.
For any queries, call on to the toll-free number 1800 599 7099. After installing the app, contact the respective school authorities to register. Minister Antony Raju urged all parents to make use of the app.
Schools in Kerala are set to reopen next week.