ANTI RAGGING CELL

Ragging is a disturbing reality in the higher education system of our country. The Supreme Court has defined ragging as, “Any disorderly conduct whether by words spoken or written or by an act which has the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness any other student, indulging in rowdy or undisciplined activities which causes or is likely to cause annoyance, hardship or psychological harm or to raise fear or apprehension thereof in a fresher or a junior student or asking the students to do any act or perform something which such student will not in the ordinary course and which has the effect of causing or generating a sense of shame or embarrassment so as to adversely affect the physique or psyche of a fresher or a junior student.” (Raghavan Committee Report, 2007). Despite the fact that over the years ragging has claimed hundreds of innocent lives and has ruined the lives and careers of thousands of students, the practice is still perceived by many as a way of ‘familiarization’ for young students. The need to address this issue has certainly increased in the last decade and a half, especially after the interventions of the Honourable Supreme Court.

Scope

The policy shall define ragging and set strict guidelines regarding the measures to be implemented and the action to be taken in case of an incident of ragging. The students, teachers, administrative staff, parents and the local law enforcement agencies come under the purview of the policy.

Custodian of the Policy

The Anti Ragging Cell and the Anti Ragging Squad shall be entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the policy, under the leadership of the Principal. The convenor and members shall coordinate their activities with the College Discipline Committee, the tutors of various batches, heads of the departments, and student representatives.

Objectives

• To ensure compliance as per the UGC Regulations on curbing the menace of ragging in higher educational institutions, and ensure a ragging-free campus.
• To publicize to all students the prevalent directives and the actions that can be taken against those indulging in ragging.
• To consider the complaints received from the students and conduct enquiry and submit report to the Principal, along with punishment recommended for the offenders.
• To offer services of counselling and create awareness to the students.

Policy

• The Anti Ragging Cell and the Anti Ragging Squad shall be constituted every year and regular meetings are held to take initiatives to prevent cases of ragging, create awareness in students, and to take action in cases reported.
• Adequate publicity regarding the Cell and the Squad shall be given through various media.
• Information regarding Anti Ragging policy of the college shall be provided in the website and prospectus.
• In compliance of the UGC Regulations, all students and parents are required to submit an undertaking at the time of admission to the effect that they are aware of the prohibition of ragging in the institution and the punishment prescribed both under penal laws as well as under the regulations prescribed by the institution and the University.
• Students must compulsorily keep their Identity Cards with them inside the campus.
• Anti Ragging Squad shall conduct unannounced visits to the canteen, hostel and the nearby bus stops.
• Boards and posters shall be used to display the anti-ragging policy of the college. The definition of ragging and the consequences shall be clearly mentioned. The names and contact numbers of the members of the anti-ragging cell and the anti-ragging squad should be displayed on boards.
• Any student who feels subjected to any instance of ragging by any senior student is immediately required to contact the members of the anti-ragging cell, who will take an immediate corrective action.
• Mandatory legal process will be initiated against the culprits engaged in ragging activities. Appropriate punishment shall be meted out, including being barred from examinations, and even expulsion from college.
• A close and regular liaison shall be maintained with the local police to take immediate action in the incident of ragging.
• Seminars and talks shall be conducted to create awareness regarding the issue of ragging and its consequences.
• Anti Ragging Cell shall periodically review the implementation of the anti-ragging policy in the college using the information supplied by the Anti Ragging Squad,  and shall recommend actions as per UGC regulations.