By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday lauded the Kerala Police for going beyond their traditional role of maintaining law and order by actively contributing to building a better society through innovative and socially committed initiatives.

Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day alumni meet of the Student Police Cadet (SPC) and Helping Others Promote Education (HOPE) projects, implemented by the Kerala Police, here on Monday, Mr. Vijayan highlighted the success of these initiatives as exemplary models of police-led social transformation.

“Projects such as HOPE and the SPC are strong examples of how the police can shape a better society, not just by enforcing law and order, but by taking responsibility to uplift lives and instil civic values,” he said.

Reintegrating children

Launched in 2017, the HOPE project aims at reintegrating children aged under 18 who have dropped out of school or failed exams back into the formal education system. As of the 2024–25 academic year, 1,426 students have resumed their studies under the project. As many as 1,067 students have already enrolled during the present academic year. Overall, the initiative has enabled 4,364 students to pass public examinations.

The SPC project, undertaken in association with the General Education department, was implemented in 431 schools until 2016. It has since been expanded to 1,048 schools, including 70 new ones brought under the scheme this year.

The Chief Minister also presented awards to nine officers who participated and won medals at the recent World Police and Fire Games in Birmingham, the U.S.

State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar presided over the function.