Implement Anti-Ragging Policies In Educational Institutions: UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a reminder regarding the policies aimed at combating ragging in higher education institutions.

"It is once again brought to your kind notice that ragging is a criminal offence and UGC has framed regulations on curbing the menace of ragging in higher educational institutions in order to prohibit, prevent and eliminate the scourge of ragging," the UGC said in a statement.

The UGC has requested that all institutions take the required steps to ensure its implementation, including the monitoring mechanism. The Commission further stated that if any institution fails to take proper precautions to avoid ragging, fails to act in accordance with these laws, or fails to appropriately punish perpetrators of ragging occurrences, it will face severe action against itself by the UGC.

UGC has also advised institutes to strengthen anti-ragging mechanisms through adequate publicity through various mediums, such as the formation of an anti-ragging committee and an anti-ragging squad, the establishment of an anti-ragging cell, the installation of CCTV cameras at critical points, anti-ragging workshops and seminars, the updating of all websites with complete details of nodal officers, alarm bells, and so on. Regular engagement and counselling with students, the identification of trouble-triggers, and the inclusion of anti-ragging warnings in the institution's E-prospectus and E-information booklets/brochures are all required. Surprising inspections of hostels, student housing, canteens, rest and leisure areas, bathrooms, and bus stops are required.