The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a notice urging Higher Education Institutions to strengthen anti-ragging measures by constituting committees, squads, and cells, installing CCTV cameras, and conducting workshops and seminars, among other actions.
The official notice reads, ‘You are requested to step up anti-ragging mechanism by way of adequate publicity through various mediums; constitution of Anti-Ragging committee and Anti-Ragging squad, setting up of Anti-Ragging Cell, installing CCTV cameras at vital points, Anti-Ragging workshops and seminar, updating all websites and nodal officers’ complete details, alarm bells etc.’
The notice also stated that surprise inspections of hostels, student accommodations, canteens, rest and recreational rooms, toilets, and bus stands must be carried out. Additionally, anti-ragging posters must be displayed at all prominent locations, including the admission center, departments, library, canteen, hostel, and common facilities.
The Higher Education Institutions have to implement the following in compliance to the directions of Anti-Ragging Monitoring Committee:
- The concept of mentor-mentee was given out on the UGC regulations for curbing the Menace of ragging in HEIs.
- The anti ragging cell and anti ragging squads of institutions should be empowered by provisioning of a legal counsel so that airtight cases against the ragging culprits can be made.
- Henceforth for extreme ragging and suicide cases, Principal of the college and Registrar of the university will be called and will be answerable to National Anti-Ragging Monitoring Committee for the reasons of non-compliance of UGC regulations for ragging.
- All the Councils/Regulatory Bodies must constitute a committee as and when a serious/suicide/death case is reported related to their council/regulatory body to relook into the issue even when cade is under police investigation. The regulatory body/councils are also advised to appoint a legal person for the matter.
- The Committee has also instructed the Anti-Ragging Monitoring Agency to be more vigilant and carry out surprise checks all across the Nation to ensure that the UGC regulations to curb menace of ragging are being strictly adhered to by the HEI’s, teaching staff and the student.
Students in distress due to ragging related incidents can call the National-ragging helpline 1800-180-5522 or email the Anti-Ragging Helpline at helpline@antiragging.in.
Click here to read the full notice.
