Policy Document

Ragging is a distressing 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 to adversely affect the physique or psyche of a fresher or a junior student.” (Raghavan Committee Report, 2007). Even though 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 with the UGC Regulations on curbing the menace of ragging in higher educational institutions, and ensure a ragging-free campus.

• To make awareness 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 submit a report to the Principal, along with punishment recommendations for the offenders after an enquiry.

• To offer services of counselling and create awareness among the students.

Policy

• The Anti Ragging Committee 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 reported cases.

• Adequate publicity regarding the committee shall be given through various media. • Information regarding Anti Ragging policy of the college shall be provided on the website and prospectus.

• In compliance with the UGC Regulations, all students and parents are required to submit an undertaking at the time of admission that they are aware of the prohibition of ragging in the institution and the punishment is prescribed both under penal laws as well as under the regulations prescribed by the institution and the University.

https://www.ugc.gov.in/UGC_Regulations_Student_Centric.aspx

• Students must compulsorily keep their Identity Cards with them inside the campus. • Any student who feels subjected to any instance of ragging by any senior student can immediately contact the members of the anti-ragging cell, who will take immediate corrective action.

• A mandatory legal process will be initiated against the culprits engaged in ragging activities. Appropriate punishment shall be given, 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.