Thiruvananthapuram:The Kerala government has proposed a new anti-ragging law and a student distress application in memory of veterinary student J S Sidharthan, whose death in 2024 sparked widespread concern over campus safety and student welfare.
Presenting the revised Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly on Friday, Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced the launch of the 'Sidharthan Student Distress App' and the proposed 'Sidharthan Anti-Ragging and Student Welfare Act'.
The measures are aimed at strengthening mechanisms to prevent ragging in educational institutions, improve student support systems and provide timely intervention for those facing harassment or distress on campuses.
Sidharthan, a first-year student at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookkode, in Wayanad, was found dead in his hostel bathroom on 18 February 2024. His death triggered widespread outrage across the state and intensified calls for stronger safeguards against ragging.
The incident also became the subject of a major political controversy, with allegations that fellow students had subjected him to severe ragging. Sidharthan's family sought a central investigation into the case, alleging that those responsible were being protected.
Following mounting public and political pressure, the then LDF government transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The Congress-led United Democratic Front, the BJP and the student's family had accused the previous government and police authorities of delaying the transfer of the case to the CBI.
The newly proposed legislation and distress app are intended to create a more responsive framework for addressing student grievances, preventing ragging incidents and promoting welfare measures across educational institutions in Kerala.
(With agency inputs from PTI)