UGC Anti-Ragging: Strict stance on ragging in universities; take stern action against guilty students, UGC writes to colleges..
UGC Anti-Ragging: Admission processes are currently underway in universities across the country. Amidst this, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has advised all higher education institutions to strictly adhere to regulations aimed at curbing ragging. The Commission has stated that compliance with the UGC Regulations, 2009, is mandatory to prevent the menace of ragging in higher education institutions.
The Commission has called for concrete steps to prevent, effectively control, and completely eradicate ragging. Directives include the formation of anti-ragging committees within institutions, the prominent display of the 24×7 toll-free anti-ragging helpline number (1800-180-5522), the organization of awareness and sensitization programs, and ensuring the immediate resolution and reporting of ragging-related complaints. The UGC has urged all higher education institutions to implement effective anti-ragging mechanisms and ensure a safe, fear-free academic environment for students.
UGC Issues List of Mandatory Anti-Ragging Measures
The UGC has instructed institutions to obtain anti-ragging affidavits or declarations from students and their parents/guardians via the website www.antiragging.in. Institutions have also been asked to conduct awareness, counseling, orientation, and sensitization programs. Furthermore, institutions have been directed to maintain surveillance in hostels and other sensitive areas. The Commission has emphasized the prompt redressal of complaints, the safety of complainants, and the timely reporting of incidents.
Directives to Institutions Regarding Ragging Incidents
The UGC has directed that in cases where a prima facie instance of ragging is established, institutions must immediately file an FIR and ensure that disciplinary action is taken. Action Taken Against Those Found Guilty of Ragging
Depending on the severity of the incident, the institution may take strict action against students found guilty of ragging, in accordance with UGC Regulation 9. Such actions include:
Issuing a warning or reprimand
Withholding scholarships or other privileges
Barring participation in examinations or other academic activities
Withholding examination results
Expulsion from the hostel
Suspension from the institution
Rustication from the institution
Ban on re-admission to the institution
Measures to prevent admission to other institutions
Filing a police FIR
What constitutes ragging?
Teasing, humiliating, or behaving rudely towards a fresher or another student—whether verbally, in writing, or through actions.
Disorderly or undisciplined behavior that causes distress, hardship, physical or mental harm, or fear to a student.
Forcing a student to perform an act they would not otherwise do under normal circumstances, resulting in embarrassment, torment, or mental anguish.
Behavior that adversely affects a student's mental health or self-confidence.
Obscene or offensive acts, forced stripping, or behavior that poses a risk of harm to the body or health.
Verbal abuse or humiliation via email, posts, or in public, can also fall under the ambit of ragging.
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