Police to extend Student Cadet Programme to colleges

Kerala Police have announced plans to expand the Student Police Cadet programme into colleges, aiming to combat the escalating issues of ragging and drug abuse on campuses. A proposal has been prepared and will be submitted to the state government for approval. If sanctioned, the initiative is slated for implementation in the 2026 academic year.
The SPC scheme, initiated in 2010, was designed to cultivate a generation of law-abiding and socially committed individuals among high school students. Initially launched in 127 schools with over 11,000 cadets, the programme has since expanded to 1,049 schools across the state. The cadets undergo training that includes physical fitness, social service, and awareness about laws and civic duties.
The decision to introduce the SPC programme at the collegiate level comes in response to a surge in campus-related crimes. Reports indicate a troubling rise in violent ragging incidents and substance abuse among college students. For instance, a recent case in Kottayam involved the arrest of five senior nursing students accused of severely abusing first-year students over several months. The victims reported being forced to strip naked and subjected to physical torture using weightlifting equipment.
Educational institutions have been grappling with these challenges, with some incidents revealing organised patterns of abuse linked to drug consumption. Despite stringent anti-ragging laws, many cases go unreported, and perpetrators often evade accountability due to political affiliations or institutional complacency. The proposed extension of the SPC initiative aims to address these issues by fostering a culture of discipline and vigilance among college students. Open URL