Kozhikode, Tuesday 03 August 2010: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan launched the Student Police Cadet (SPC) project at a function at the Tagore Centenary Hall here.

It is being jointly implemented by the Police and Education Departments in high schools and higher secondary schools in the State.

Achuthanandan said cadets would imbibe civic sense, a feeling of equality, secular outlook, inquisitiveness, leadership qualities and spirit of adventure through the proposed training. The SPC would have the discipline level of the National Cadet Corps. In future, these volunteers would be attracted to join the Police Department.

The cadets might not be authorised to nab culprits involved in offences but they could bring such persons or acts to the notice of the authorities. They could help prevent substance abuse and anti-social activities, he said.

The Chief Minister handed over the SPC flag to Director-General of Police Jacob Punnoose at the function. Delivering the presidential address, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the project would be implemented in 100 government and aided schools in the first phase.

Hundreds of school managements had requested the inclusion of their schools in the programme, he said.

Stating that the SPC would be an organisation with a permanent structure, Kodiyeri said the project would create a new generation of law-abiding citizens. The idea came from the success of engaging a group of select students in managing crowds at State School Arts Festival here in January.

The government had earmarked Rs.20 crore for the project, he said.