KOCHI: The city police will observe October as `anti-harassment month' to fight harassment of women and girl students in public places and public transport vehicles.

It is for the first time that such a programme is being implemented. If the drive becomes successful, it will be extended to other districts in the Ernakulam Range.

An anti-harassment helpline will become operational from October 21 as part of the drive. This will be a toll-free number.

Green complaint cards will be distributed in all colleges and schools.

Girl students with any complaint of harassment can collect the cards from their respective Principals and lodge their complaints. These will be treated with utmost urgency.

More policewomen will be posted in public places and bus stations for shadow policing. These personnel are being given special training.

Policemen will be posted in uniform at main bus stations. Awareness classes of laws and legal rights will be held in all educational institutions in the city.

Representatives of parents and teachers will attend these sessions, along with students. All schools have been asked to convene Parent Teacher Association meetings to elect volunteers to regulate student rush at bus stops. This follows complaints by bus operators of crowding in buses. A system to regulate the rush has been a long-standing demand.

Awareness classes will also be held for bus employees at bus stands.

A public debate featuring people from different strata of the society will be held.

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