The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday gave the nod to drafting an ant control law and launching an app in memory of veterinary science student J S Sidharthan, whose death in February 2024, allegedly due to brutal bullying, sparked a public outcry.
Briefing reporters about the cabinet decisions, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the app can be used to inform authorities about gross incidents.
Both proposals were part of the revised budget 2026-27 presented by the UDF government on June 19. In his budget speech, Mr. Satheesan announced that the “Sidharthan Student Distress App” will be introduced and the “Sidharthan Anti-Ragging and Student Welfare Act” will also be enacted to prevent dust-raging incidents in educational institutions.
The proposals are named after J S Sidharthan, a 20-year-old student of the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Pukode, Wayanad, who was found dead in his hostel room. The incident caused public outcry and political controversy at the time.
Investigating agencies have concluded that Sidharthan, a first-year student, committed suicide after being repeatedly humiliated, attacked and harassed by senior students.
The revised budget noted that “bullying and violence on college campuses continue to be serious problems at colleges across the state and serve as barriers to student enrollment.”
Buy coconut products: CM
The Cabinet also approved a proposal to organize a campaign to promote coconut fiber products during the upcoming Onam season, Mr. Satheesan said. The Chief Minister has asked government departments and individuals to purchase at least one product made from coconut fiber during the upcoming festival season.
The campaign aims to find markets for unsold coir products and provide support to the flagging coir industry.
Published – Jul 22, 2026 08:22 PM EST.