Vision 2031: Kerala to be made most women-friendly State; task force to investigate crime against children

Published 13 June 2026 · politics

The Vision 2031 policy roadmap of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government that emphasises women and child safety proposes to form a task force to

The Vision 2031 policy roadmap of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government that emphasises women and child safety proposes to form a task force to investigate crime against children and a scheme, Avalkkoppam, to prevent domestic violence and dowry harassment of women. The document takes serious note of the crime against children. It underscores a zero-tolerance approach to such crime, particularly against very young children. Cases of murder of children are on the rise. Investigation into a large number of them is closed citing that the death is by suicide, according to the roadmap document. Fast-track courts To investigate children’s murder cases and those registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and ensure conviction of the guilty in a time-bound manner, the document proposes setting up of a new investigation team.

Besides the task force, more fast-track courts will be set up for expediting the trial in such cases. It moots legislation for strict action against officials responsible for lapses in investigation of crime against children. A toll-free helpline and a portal that will ensure privacy when complaints regarding crime against children are made, it says. The Vision 2031 document says Kerala will be transformed into the most women-friendly State in the country. It moots new legislation on the lines of the Disha Act in Andhra Pradesh to prevent crime against women. In 2019, Andhra Pradesh had enacted legislation aimed at awarding capital punishment to the guilty in specified offences against women and to expedite trial in such cases within 21 days of committing the crime.

The document proposes stringent action to prevent domestic violence and dowry harassment of women and an initiative ‘Avalkoppam’ will be launched for this. Women police stations will be started. Steps will be taken to appoint more women police personnel as station house officers. Jagratha samitis (vigilant committees) set up for women safety will be given legal status. A ‘Distress Alert App’ will be launched for women to alert the control room during emergencies faced by them. Steps will be taken to ensure safe travel for women. Night-time ‘pink buses’ solely for women will be started on main routes in the State. A ‘smart safety network’ of vehicles with GPS mechanism will be rolled out to ensure safe travel for women.

To make public spaces women-friendly, restrooms and eateries are proposed to be started. Hostels will be set up for women travellers and visitors in main towns. Safety will be prioritised to attract women tourists to the State. Incentives will be given to women-friendly resorts and hotels. Special consideration will be given to women-only tour groups. Steps will also be taken to ensure safety of women who are employed abroad and face a crisis.