The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has launched Radio Nellikka, an exclusive internet radio platform for children. The initiative is aimed at fostering a child-friendly environment and promoting awareness about child rights. Through this platform, the commission seeks to run extensive campaigns to educate students, teachers, and parents on topics such as child justice, the POCSO Act, and the Right to Free and Compulsory Education.
Radio Nellikka features innovative and engaging programmes every weekday from Monday to Friday, which are repeated on weekends. These programs are designed to inform and entertain children without any advertisements and are available for listening 24/7. One of the key segments, The Right Turn, focuses on child rights laws and is aired daily from 7 to 8 am and repeated from 4 to 5 pm. A phone-in program called Immini Balyakaryam airs from 8 to 9 am, with a repeat titled Immini Balyakaryam from 5 to 6 pm. The Akashadoot program, broadcast from 12 to 1 pm and again from 8 to 9 pm, invites children, parents, and teachers to share their experiences and queries through letters. Another highlight is Uncle Boss, a lively radio chat program from 1 to 2 pm, repeated from 9 to 10 pm.
Although the initial broadcast consists of four hours of content, Radio Nellikka is accessible globally at any time of day. The project was developed in response to growing concerns around children’s mental health, substance abuse, cyberbullying, social media addiction, and rising incidents of suicide. In its first phase, the initiative aims to reach 25 lakh families across Kerala. The radio will be made accessible through multiple networks, including students, teachers, PTA members, SPC, NSS, and school clubs in all 15,397 schools across the state. It will also connect with 29,202 Kudumbashree Balasabhas, teachers and parents of 33,120 Anganwadis under the Women and Child Development Department, and 464 district-level child care institutions. Moreover, it will extend its reach across 21,900 wards in 1,200 local bodies such as villages, blocks, municipalities, and corporations, with support from NGOs, residents’ associations, and community groups.
Various departments, including Women and Child Development, Education, Local Self-Government, SC/ST Development, Police, and Excise, will collaborate in the implementation of Radio Nellikka. The radio can be accessed through the Play Store (Android), App Store (iOS), the official website www.radionellikka.com, and in vehicles via AUX cable or Bluetooth.
Children can actively participate by sharing their stories, school memories, challenges, and joyful moments for the Akashadoot program via email at radionellikka@gmail.com or through WhatsApp (+91 9993338602). For the Immini Balyakaryam and Uncle Boss segments, they can reach out by calling (+91 9993338602). In essence, Radio Nellikka is an innovative digital initiative that merges education with entertainment, empowering children with accurate knowledge about their rights. It plays a crucial role in shaping a safer, more informed, and child-friendly society in Kerala.