UGC asks universities to take steps against ragging
BHUBANESWAR: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all universities to take steps to stop ragging in their campuses. It has also requested the institutions to make it compulsory for each student and every parent to submit an online undertaking every academic year.
According to UGC regulations, ragging is defined as any act of physical or mental abuse (including bullying and exclusion) targeted at another student (fresher or otherwise) on grounds 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 background.
The commission has framed ‘regulations on curbing the menace of ragging in higher educational institutions, 2009’ to prohibit, prevent and eliminate the scourge of ragging in the campuses. “It is mandatory for all universities and colleges to follow this regulation. Any violation of these regulations will be viewed seriously. Action may be taken against an institution if it fails to take adequate steps to prevent ragging,” said the official communication.
UGC letter to universities stated that ragging is a crime and top-most priority has to be accorded to stop it immediately. Odisha has received more than 200 complaints of ragging in the past six years. The commission has established a nationwide tollfree anti-ragging helpline 1800-180-5522 or email at helpline@antiragging.in which can be accessed by the students in distress due to ragging.
Universities have been asked to constitute anti-ragging committee, anti-ragging squad and set up anti-ragging cell in its campuses with adequate publicity about the measures, installation of CCTV cameras at vital points, holding anti-ragging workshops and seminars and updating websites with nodal officer’s complete details. It has also suggested the universities to hold regular interactions and counselling sessions for students to know about their issues.