On Wednesday, the Kerala Cabinet gave its nod to frame an anti-ant law and launch an app in memory of veterinary science student JS Sidharthan, whose death in February 2024, allegedly after brutal torture, had sparked a public outcry.
Briefing reporters about the Cabinet decisions, Chief Minister VD Satheesan said the app could be used to alert authorities about serious incidents.
Both the 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 ‘Sidharthan Student Distress App’ would be introduced and ‘Sidharthan Anti-Ragging and Student Welfare Act’ would be enacted to prevent incidents of ragging in educational institutions.
The proposals are named after JS Sidharthan, a 20-year-old student of College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, who was found dead in his hostel room. The incident sparked a public outcry and political controversy at the time.
Investigating agencies had concluded that Sidharthan, a first-year student, took his life after being repeatedly humiliated, assaulted and harassed by senior students.
The Revised Budget had noted that “campus violence remains a major problem at universities across the state and acts as a barrier to student admission.”
Buy coconut fiber products: CM
The Cabinet also approved a proposal to organize a campaign to promote coir products during the upcoming Onam season, Satheesan said. The Chief Minister asked government institutions and individuals to purchase at least one coconut fiber product during the upcoming festival season.
The campaign aims to find markets for unsold coir products and give a boost to the ailing coir industry.
Published – July 22, 2026 08:22 pm IST
