The Kerala government plans to start a Family Sustainable Mapping across the whole state.
The aim is to find children living in vulnerable conditions before abuse, neglect or exploitation takes place.
The plan follows the death of a two-year-old child in Alappuzha.
The death is reportedly due to suspected malnutrition, which means the child did not get proper nutrition.
Women and Child Development Minister Bindhu Krishna said the decision was taken at a meeting held after the incident.
Key points
- The state will assess families and children across Kerala.
- Schools, anganwadis, health workers and police will take part.
- Children at risk will get protection and rehabilitation.
- 52 children will receive Ujjwalabalyam Awards on November 14.
Who will carry out this mapping?
The exercise will be a coordinated effort.
Schools, anganwadis, local self government bodies, District Child Protection Units, health workers and the police will all be involved.
Four departments will jointly coordinate the work.
They are women and child development, health, police and local self government.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Which risks will the exercise look for?
The mapping will look for children facing malnutrition, neglect and domestic violence.
It will also check for child labour, begging, school dropout, substance abuse and other forms of exploitation.
Children found to be at risk will be given the protection and rehabilitation they need.
The government also plans to strengthen efforts against sexual abuse, harassment, human trafficking and online exploitation of children.
What happens next for children in Kerala?
The minister announced the programme at a press meet.
The meet was held to name the children chosen for the Ujjwalabalyam Awards 2025.
A total of 52 children from all 14 districts have been selected.
The awards were started by the Women and Child Development department to honour exceptional talent.
The winners have excelled in fields such as arts, sports, science, social work and farming.
The awards will be presented during the state-level Children's Day celebrations on November 14.
Explainer
What happened before
- A two-year-old child died in Alappuzha, reportedly due to suspected malnutrition.
- The state held a meeting after the incident and decided to introduce the mapping system.
Why it matters
The plan aims to find children in trouble early, before abuse, neglect or exploitation happens.
What to watch next
- The awards for 52 children will be presented during the state-level Children's Day celebrations on November 14.
