Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 19 (PTI) The current UDF government’s maiden budget on Friday accorded priority to women’s safety and anti-narcotics initiatives, announcing a series of measures for the Police and Excise departments, including enhanced surveillance, anti-drug operations and women-centric safety programmes.
Presenting the revised Kerala Budget 2026-27, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said strict action would be taken against crimes targeting women and children.
As part of the measures, more women will be appointed as Station House Officers in police stations across the state.
“Measures will be taken to appoint more women as Station House Officers in police stations. Strong and stringent legal action will be initiated against officials who suppress cases involving crimes against women and children, as well as against individuals who abuse women through social media platforms. Safe travel for women will be ensured, and night-time police patrolling in major towns will be intensified,” he said.
A special scheme titled ‘Makalkkoppam’ will also be implemented to prevent crimes against women.
The budget also earmarked funds to strengthen the state’s fight against narcotics, a key promise made by the UDF during the Assembly elections.
An allocation of Rs 10 crore was made for Operation Toofan, the Kerala Police initiative aimed at curbing drug trafficking and abuse.
Describing the project, Satheesan said it was a state government initiative aimed at eradicating drug mafias by implementing a special task action protocol to reduce drug availability and strengthen preventive systems in schools and colleges.
The chief minister said the Kerala Police would further intensify anti-drug operations through the Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF), District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) and Special Operations Group (SOG).
Drug-free campus initiatives, dark-web monitoring, financial investigations linked to narcotics trafficking and awareness programmes will be implemented in collaboration with educational institutions, local self-government bodies and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), he said.
The budget allocated Rs 23.31 crore for the Excise Department.
Satheesan said anti-drug campaigns would be organised under the Vimukthi Mission to create awareness among students, youth and the general public about the harmful effects of substance abuse and alcoholism.
A dedicated Chemical Examination Laboratory will be established and infrastructure facilities will be provided to the State Narcotic Control Bureau under the Excise Department.
The government also announced the installation of AI-enabled CCTV cameras and X-ray and Gamma-ray scanners at all check posts to prevent drug trafficking.
Drug detection kits capable of identifying all types of narcotic substances, including new-generation synthetic drugs, will be made available in all Excise offices.
The budget further proposed strengthening prison infrastructure and rehabilitation programmes under the Prison Modernisation and Prisoners’ Welfare schemes.
To address overcrowding in jails, prison construction and expansion projects at Mannarkkad, Taliparamba, Pathanamthitta and other locations will be taken up on a priority basis.
The government also announced that priority would be given to the modernisation and strengthening of emergency response systems, including establishing fire and rescue stations in various Assembly constituencies, operationalising new stations in Wayanad district and deploying emergency rescue teams along National Highway 66. PTI TBA TBA KH
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