In a recent notification, the University Grants Commission (UGC) reaffirmed that ragging is illegal and that higher education institutions (HEIs) who do not take appropriate action to stop ragging or follow the Commission’s anti-ragging recommendations may face consequences.
“It is once again brought to your kind notice that ragging is a criminal offence and UGC has framed regulations on curbing the menace of ragging in higher educational institutions in order to prohibit, prevent and eliminate the scourge of ragging. These regulations are mandatory and all institutions are required to take necessary steps for its implementation in toto including the monitoring mechanism. Any violation of these regulations will be viewed seriously. If any institution fails to take adequate steps to prevent ragging or does not act in accordance with these Regulations or fails to punish perpetrators of incidents of ragging suitably, Institutions will attract punitive actions a per UGC Regulations for Curbing the Menace of Ragging – 2009,” states the UGC.
In a letter addressed to chief secretary of all states, the Commission has asked them to set up district-level anti- ragging committee. District Collector/ Deputy Commissioner/ District Magistrate must be the head of the committee. The heads of the university or college, superintendent of police or SSP of the district must be members. The additional district magistrate will be member secretary. The committee must have representatives of the local media, district- level NGO, student organisations, local police, local administration as well the institutional authorities to ensure vigil on incidents that may come within the definition of ragging.
The anti-ragging regulations are available on the UGC website www.ugc.gov.in & www.antiragging.in.
The HEIs have been asked to step up anti-ragging mechanism by constituting anti-ragging committee and anti-ragging squad, setting up of anti-ragging cell, installing CCTV cameras at vital points, holding anti-ragging workshops and seminar, updating all websites with nodal officers’ complete details, alarm bells among others.
“Regular interaction and counselling with the students, identification of trouble- triggers and mention of Anti-Ragging warning in the institution’s E-prospectus and E-information booklets/brochures must be ensured. Surprise inspection of hostels, students’ accommodations, canteens, rest cum recreational rooms, toilets, bus-stands must be carried out & Anti-Ragging posters must be displayed at all prominent places like Admission Centre, Departments, Library, Canteen, Hostel, Common facilities etc. These posters are available on UGC website www.u c.ac.in. The size of the posters should be at least 8×6 feet. Any other measure which would augur well in preventing ragging and any uncalled-for behaviour/incident must be undertaken,” says UGC.
“Plan for orientation programme on anti-ragging in your universities/institutions. The programme should focus on key aspects of Anti Ragging Regulations and regular feedback of the students after each and every workshop/training/programme should be taken in English, Hindi and Local Language. UGC has made an IEC Kit with suitable content on ragging which is available on UGC website i.e. www.antiragging.in.This kit can be referred for the same. The cultural dadagiri may be controlled by Head of the Universities/Institutions taking police authorities into confidence. In this regard, UGC is also issuing a separate advisory to all District Magistrate/SSP/SP of all districts,” adds UGC.
Students in distress due to ragging related incidents can call the National Anti-Ragging Helpline 1800-180-5522 (24×7 Toll Free) or e-mail the Anti-Ragging Hel”UGC Directs States on Formation of District-Level Anti-Ragging Committees”pline at helpline@antiragging.in. For any other information regarding ragging, you may please visit the UGC website i.e. www.ugc.gov.in & www.antiragging.in and contact UGC monitoring agency i.e. Centre for Youth (C4Y) on Mobile No. 09818044577 (only in case of emergency).
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