Thiruvananthapuram: Home and vigilance minister Ramesh Chennithala has ordered the constitution of a multi-agency task force, headed by G Poonkuzhali, to investigate the comparatively high number of Pocso cases reported in recent years from the Walayar, Kollengode, Meenakshipuram and Kozhinjampara police station limits in Palakkad.The task force will comprise representatives of the district Janajagaran Samithi, district women’s cell, Sakhi, the district child welfare officer and women’s organisations. The minister has directed that the task force be constituted within three days and submit its report to the additional chief secretary (home), within three months.The decision follows a recommendation made by the estimates committee of the 10th legislative assembly, which had called for the formation of such a committee to examine the issue.The task force will study the factors behind the rise in Pocso cases, including the impact of widespread smartphone and digital device usage on children’s behaviour, mental health and responses in the digital age. It will also examine how the effects of digital exposure vary among children from different social backgrounds.The inquiry will also look into local socio-economic factors in areas such as Walayar, which is located close to industrial zones where many parents leave children alone at home while they go to work. The panel will assess whether increasing dependence on smartphones and digital platforms has influenced children’s behaviour and living conditions.The task force is expected to recommend measures to prevent child sexual abuse through coordinated efforts involving the police, education, health, social welfare and information and public relations departments. Its report will also include recommendations on awareness campaigns, psychological counselling, mental health support for children and other child protection measures.
