To combat ragging inside campuses, UGC has taken some strict new measures. The UGC is calling for establishing district-level panels aimed at curbing the menace of ragging in accordance with directives laid down by the Supreme Court back in 2009.
Failure to adhere to the regulations, including the failure to take appropriate disciplinary action against offenders, will result in punitive measures as outlined by the UGC Regulations for Curbing the Menace of Ragging – 2009, the UGC emphasized in its notification.
The notice by UGC read, “Regular interaction and counseling with the 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' accommodations, 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” as quoted by The Mint.
Also, HEIs are directed to enhance their anti-ragging mechanisms through extensive publicity across various mediums. This includes the establishment of anti-ragging committees and squads, the formation of anti-ragging cells, the installation of CCTV cameras at crucial points, the organization of anti-ragging workshops and seminars, and updating all websites with comprehensive details of nodal officers and emergency contact information. These measures aim to create a safer environment for students and to eliminate the scourge of ragging from educational institutions.
