It will also include online courses on scientific temper, handbooks and video reels. An online course developed in association with C-DIT will also be formally launched as part of the initiative, the minister said.WELFARE APP TO ENABLE ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTSThe government will also launch the Siddharth Student Welfare App, which will provide students with a confidential platform to report ragging and other campus-related problems and seek assistance without revealing their identity.The application will allow students to record audio complaints anonymously and alert the authorities concerned about safety-related issues, the minister said.The app has been named after J S Sidharthan, a 20-year-old veterinary student from Nedumangad who allegedly died by suicide in February 2024 after being subjected to ragging by fellow students at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Pookode, Wayanad.DRAFT ANTI-RAGGING LAW UNDER CONSIDERATIONA draft of the Siddharth Anti-Ragging Act is also under the government's consideration.
The proposed legislation is intended to provide a legal framework for the initiative and facilitate the formation of a state anti-ragging commission, the minister said.The government will additionally release the Student Aspiration Survey, which aims to understand the expectations and aspirations of students in the higher education sector.John said the initiatives were part of the government's efforts to encourage scientific thinking, improve student welfare and make higher education institutions more student-friendly and progressive.(With PTI inputs)- Ends