Thiruvananthapuram, July 7 (IANS) The Kerala government on Tuesday ordered the constitution of a high-level task force headed by AIG of Police Poonkuzhali to investigate the comparatively high incidence of cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in certain police station limits of Palakkad district over the past few years.

The decision was taken by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, who directed the Home Department to constitute the task force within three days and ensure that it submits a comprehensive report within three months to the Additional Chief Secretary, Home.

According to the order, the inquiry will focus on the police station jurisdictions of Walayar, Kollengode, Meenakshipuram, and Kozhinjampara, where the number of POCSO cases has remained comparatively higher than in several other parts of the district, prompting concerns over the underlying social and environmental factors contributing to the trend.

The task force will comprise representatives from the District Janajagaran Samithi, the District Women’s Cell, Sakhi, the District Child Welfare Office and women’s organisations, besides senior police officers.

It has been entrusted with examining not only the pattern of offences but also the broader social circumstances that may be exposing children to greater risks.

The government’s decision follows recommendations made by the Estimates Committee of the 10th Kerala Legislative Assembly, which had called for a dedicated study into the reasons behind the concentration of POCSO cases in these areas and suggested the formation of a multidisciplinary committee to recommend preventive measures.

One of the major areas of focus will be the impact of the digital era on children.

The task force has been asked to study how the widespread use of smartphones and other digital devices has influenced children’s behaviour, emotional responses, psychological well-being, and interpersonal relationships.

It will also examine whether children from different socio-economic backgrounds are affected differently by increased digital exposure and whether such changes have made them more vulnerable to exploitation.

The inquiry will also assess the unique circumstances prevailing in localities such as Walayar, which lies close to industrial clusters.

In many families in these areas, both parents leave home for work, often leaving children without adequate adult supervision for long hours.

The task force will examine whether such social conditions, coupled with growing dependence on digital devices, have altered children’s lifestyles and increased their vulnerability to abuse.

–IANS

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