In a decisive move to curb rising drug abuse and violence in educational institutions, Kerala Police will form College Protection Committees (CPCs) in all higher education institutions in the state.
Kerala Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar has come out with an order in this regard that aims to protect students from the growing threats of substance abuse, cybercrimes, and other anti-social activities, while fostering stronger cooperation between college administrations, students, and law enforcement.
Each CPC will be chaired by the college principal and convened by the local Station House Officer (SHO). The committees will also include student representatives, ward councillors, Parent-Teacher Association members, and respected local citizens. Their responsibilities will range from ensuring immediate assistance during emergencies to promoting a safe and supportive campus environment. The CPCs will also ensure collection of inputs from students on suspected drug trafficking inside the college campuses.
Oversight of the committees will be handled by the Social Policing Directorate, which will coordinate, manage, and supervise their functioning. To ensure accountability, a state-level monitoring panel will also be formed, comprising the State Police Chief, Excise Commissioner, and the Directors of Collegiate Education, Technical Education, and Women and Child Development. At the district level, subcommittees under the supervision of District Police Chiefs will be established, with district-wide WhatsApp groups created to facilitate coordination and share best practices.
The CPCs will focus on empowering students and staff to identify and report safety concerns without fear of reprisal. They will conduct awareness drives on cyber safety, mental health, and the dangers of drug use, as well as organise road safety programmes, disaster management training, and self-defence classes for women.
A senior police official said the rise in drug abuse among youth is alarming and campuses are becoming breeding grounds for drug traffickers. “The CPCs will serve as a proactive shield—protecting our students, preventing crimes, and creating a safe space for education to thrive,” the official said.
