UGC Strengthens Anti-Ragging Guidelines for Educational Institutions in 2025
New Delhi, January 28, 2025 - The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently issued a stringent set of guidelines aimed at curbing the menace of ragging in higher educational institutions across India. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to ensure student safety and promote a healthy learning environment.
Enhanced Measures for Ragging Prevention
The UGC has mandated that all higher education institutions (HEIs) implement a comprehensive anti-ragging mechanism. This includes:
- Formation of Committees and Cells: Institutions are required to establish an anti-ragging committee, squad, and cell. These bodies will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of anti-ragging measures and ensuring compliance with UGC regulations.
- Surprise Inspections: Regular surprise checks of hostels, student accommodations, canteens, recreational areas, and other key locations are now mandatory. This is to ensure that no ragging activities occur under the radar.
- CCTV Installation: To deter ragging and provide evidence in case of incidents, the UGC has recommended the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic points within the campus.
- Workshops and Seminars: Educational institutions are urged to conduct workshops and seminars regularly to raise awareness about the ill effects of ragging and the legal consequences it entails.
- Legal Empowerment: Anti-ragging cells are to be empowered with legal counsel to build strong cases against perpetrators, ensuring that legal actions are airtight.
- Mentor-Mentee System: The UGC has emphasized the adoption of a mentor-mentee relationship to foster a supportive environment between senior and junior students, reducing the chances of ragging.
- Accountability in Extreme Cases: In cases of extreme ragging or suicides, the principal of the college and the registrar of the university will be held accountable, potentially facing questioning by the National Anti-Ragging Monitoring Committee for non-compliance with UGC regulations.
- Publicity and Awareness: Institutions must ensure widespread publicity of anti-ragging measures through various mediums, including displaying posters in prominent places and updating all relevant websites with contact details of nodal officers.
Violations and Consequences
The UGC has warned that any failure by an institution to prevent ragging or to act according to these regulations will lead to punitive actions against the institution itself. This includes potential legal repercussions and loss of institutional accreditation.
Community and Institutional Response
Posts on X reflect a community that is largely supportive of these measures, with many educational institutions already beginning to adopt these guidelines earnestly. Students and parents alike have expressed relief and hope that these stringent actions will lead to a safer educational environment.
This initiative by the UGC marks a significant step towards eradicating ragging, aiming to protect students and uphold the dignity of educational establishments nationwide.