The University Grants Commission (UGC) once again has asked higher educational institutions to step up anti-ragging mechanisms.
Ragging is a criminal offence and already regulations on curbing the menace in higher educational institution have been framed to prohibit, prevent and eliminate the scourge.
The UGC had notified "Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009 and it is available on the website of the commission.
UGC in its latest notice has categorically stated that 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, it will attract punitive action against itself by the UGC,” the notice read.
Key highlights
Constitution of anti-ragging committees and anti-ragging squads, setting up of anti-ragging cell, installing CCTV cameras at vital points, anti-ragging workshops and seminars updating all websites with nodal officers’ complete details, alarm bells are some of the suggestions.
Regular interaction and counseling with 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, accommodation, 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.
Students in distress due to ragging related incidents can call the National Anti-Ragging Helpline l800-180-5522 (24x7 Toll Free) or e-mail the anti-ragging helpline at helpline@antiragging.in
For more details, visit the official UGC website or click HERE