UGC stresses on ragging-free campus in higher educational institutions

Bhubaneswar: As admission season begins, the students are to set to put their foot in several colleges across Odisha. Amidst the excitement, students as well their guardians are also apprehensive regarding the safety in campuses.

Keeping this in view, the University Grants Commission (UGC)  has asked higher education institutions to take necessary measures to create ragging-free campuses.

Through a notice, UGC has asked the authorities of several colleges across the country to strictly adhere to the regulations on curbing the menace of ragging in higher education institutions as per the orders of the Supreme Court in 2019.

As per the recommendations, the UGC has asked the higher education institutions to set up anti-ragging committee, anti-ragging squads and anti-ragging cells.

Earlier, through 3rd Amendment in UGC regulations in 2016, the definition of ragging was expanded.

“Any act of physical or mental abuse (including bullying and exclusion) targeted at another student (fresher or otherwise) on the ground of colour, race, religion, caste, ethnicity, gender (including transgender), sexual orientation, appearance, nationality, regional origins, linguistic identity, place of birth, place of residence or economic condition.”

The college authorities have also advised to regularly interact with students so that incidents of ragging can be detected early and trouble-mongers are identified, surprise inspection of hostels and places within the campus.

Apart from creating awareness, the college officials can also install safety and security apps without affecting the privacy of the students or individuals.

It is pertinent to mention here that the UGC has also come up a helpline number 1800-180-5522 through which the students in distress can report ragging incidents directly. The students can also email their grievances on helpline@antiragging.in.