JAIPUR: In a unique initiative, the police in Kota-one of country's best coaching hubs- will play the role of a ' big brother ' for over 90,000 students pursuing various medical and engineering courses in the town.

The cops will write to the parents of those students who are found regularly absent from coaching classes, advising them to give attention to their kids. For the purpose, it has been made mandatory for each coaching institute to submit a list of habitual absentees every month.

"It is a student welfare program. We hope to play the role of a big brother for those students who come to Kota with big dreams, but get disoriented somewhere on the way," said superintendent of police, Kota city Prafulla Kumar.

The police had taken a meeting of coaching authorities recently. It came up during the meeting that a large number of students are not turning up for classes.

"Some minor crimes took place recently in which students were found involved. When we contacted the family members, they were caught off guard. They had no idea their kids were in bad company," said the officer.

So the coaching institutes were told to send a list of students who bunk classes on a regular basis. "We will write letters to the parents so that they come to know about what their children are doing in Kota. Many of the children come from far-flung areas. It is not possible for the parents to visit them on a regular basis," said the SP.

The students usually lie to their parents about marks obtained in interim tests, he said.

"In the letter, there will be comments on the performance of the students from the police," said the officer.

Police said that students have been found involved in about 15 serious crimes, one of them included firing between two groups of students.

Minor complaints like eve-teasing and scuffles are quite common.

"Keeping this in view, we have launched a helpline service through which serious students can complain through SMS or e-mail if somebody is harassing them. We will try to resolve the complaints without getting the students in legal formalities. They won't have to register formal cases," said the officer.

The complaint message sent through SMS or e-mail will directly reach the superintendent of police office and will be dispatched to the concerned police station for quick disposal.