Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday ordered the formation of a task force headed by AIG Poonguzhali IPS to investigate the higher number of POCSO cases reported in recent years in parts of Palakkad district.

According to a statement issued here, the task force will examine cases reported under the jurisdiction of the Walayar, Kollengode, Meenakshipuram and Kozhinjampara police stations, where the number of cases has been comparatively high.

The panel will include representatives from the District Janajagaran Samithi, the District Women's Cell, Sakhi, the District Child Welfare Office and women's organisations.

The decision follows a recommendation in the inquiry report of the Estimates Committee of the 10th Kerala Legislative Assembly, which had suggested setting up a committee to study the issue, the statement said.

It added that the Home Minister has directed officials to constitute the task force within three days and submit its report to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department within three months.

The task force will study the impact of widespread smartphone and digital device use on children's behaviour, emotional well-being and mental health, and examine how children from different social backgrounds are affected.

It will also look into local factors that may be contributing to the rise in cases.

In areas such as Walayar, which are close to industrial zones, many parents leave their children alone at home while they go to work.

The inquiry will assess whether children's increasing dependence on smartphones and digital devices has had an impact on their behaviour and living conditions, the statement said.

"The report will examine the changes brought about by the widespread use of smartphones and digital devices among children, the social factors behind the rise in cases, and suggest measures to strengthen child protection," the statement said.

The government said the task force was formed on the understanding that preventing the exploitation of children requires a coordinated effort involving not only the police, but also the Education, Health, Social Welfare and Public Relations departments.

The report will recommend measures such as awareness programmes, psychological counselling, mental health support for children, and other steps to strengthen child protection, the statement added.