Project to support children of incarcerated persons launched in Kannur 

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Kannur district administration has rolled out SPRUHA Plus, a comprehensive welfare project aimed at supporting children of incarcerated persons and those affected by violence, on Friday (October 17, 2025).

The scheme, titled ‘Supporting Potential and Resilience of the Unseen, Held Back and Affected’, seeks to address the emotional, educational, and social challenges faced by these often overlooked children.

Conceived and developed by Assistant Collector Ehteda Mufasir, SPRUHA Plus targets children aged between eight and 18 years, offering holistic care through legal, emotional, and educational support. The project draws inspiration from the realisation that behind every act of violence or imprisonment lies a child waiting in silence — longing for love and normalcy.

Supported by the District Collector’s interns, the project has received official approval from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and was launched at the NALSA’s regional conference. It is now being implemented as a pilot project in Kannur district with plans for expansion across Kerala.

The initiative adopts a multi-pronged approach, ensuring early identification of dependents, free legal aid, psychological counselling, continuation of education, livelihood assistance, shelter for abandoned children, and family reintegration measures. It also brings together various stakeholders — legal service authorities, child protection units, schools, and volunteers — to ensure that no child is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control. Ms. Mufasir said that so far 45 children had been identified for the pilot project.

Principal District Judge and District Legal Services Authority Chairman K.T. Nisar Ahammed inaugurated the project at the collectorate conference hall. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasised that the mission extends beyond legal aid to comprehensive social and emotional support. He said that the pilot project would soon be replicated in other districts and in other parts of the country.

District Collector Arun K. Vijayan, presided over the function. District Family Court judge R.L. Baiju, Additional District Magistrate Kalabhaskar, and District Police Chief (Kannur City) P. Nidhinraj were present.                              

The logo and video of SPRUHA Plus were officially released at the function.