Bhubaneswar: The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Monday directed States and secretaries of Higher Education Departments to take stringent measures to curb incidents of ragging in educational campuses.
In a letter, UGC secretary Rajnish Jain has sought cooperation of Chief Secretaries and Secretaries of Higher Education Departments of all States to take strong measures to implement the Anti-Ragging Regulations.
It is pertinent to mention here that in pursuance of the judgment of the Supreme Court, the Commission had framed "UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2OO9".
As per the directive, these regulations are to be mandatorily followed by all universities and colleges across the country.
The Regulations are available on the UGC website i.e. www.uqc.ac.in. Click here for the UGC letter.
A nationwide toll free anti-ragging helpline 1800-180-5522 in 12 languages has been established which can be accessed by students in distress due to ragging.
Ragging is a crime and top most priority has to be accorded to stop it immediately. The Commission has made it mandatory for all institutions to incorporate in their prospectus the directions of the Government regarding prohibition and consequences of ragging.
UGC has been issuing necessary advisories to all educational institutions which are available on UGC website. However, menace of ragging has not been completely eliminated.
As result, such incidents are affecting the higher education system of the country.
“I request you to take strong measures to implement the Anti-Ragging Regulations in your state and take stringent action against those flouting the guidelines,” said UGC secretary Rajnish Jain in his letter.
The Commission has sought intervention of the senior government officials to ensure that the concern is addressed in a time bound manner and their respective States become a "Ragging Free State" at the earliest.