Last Update: December 31, 2022, 09:00 AM IST
Poor implementation of anti-ragging measures looms large (Image: IANS)
The year 2022 saw an increase in ragging cases in India, in some cases even leading to suicides. Let us understand how the institutions can help in eradicating the menace of ragging
Cases of campus ragging have been a matter of concern in higher education institutions over the years and with a Supreme Court ruling regulating such cases in institutions to some extent, cases of brutal ragging across the country were found to be on the rise over the years. 2022.
On October 14, Partially decomposed body of a 20-year-old student found in a hostel room at IIT Kharagpur, The authorities initially suspected death by suicide and later it was found that there were serious complaints from second year undergraduate students of being physically and mentally harassed by a group of seniors.
In another case, a 20-year-old fifth BTech student of IIT Guwahati committed suicide and his body was found hanging in his room on October 10. Another student of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has committed suicide.
A student brutally thrashed during ragging in Noida College. Incidents of bullying were reported in Christian Medical College, Vellore, Indore Medical College, Nagpur Govt. Medical College, a polytechnic institute in Amethi, and many more campuses in 2022.
read | Students taking admission in colleges will have to give an undertaking not to indulge in ragging.
According to institutions, students should be encouraged to speak out against ragging and report any incidents to the university or relevant authorities and seek support from the university or other organisations, such as counseling services or student groups.
Poor implementation of anti-ragging steps has increased the menace. Cases of ragging are on the rise again as there is a lack of monitoring in the institutions at times. The students come from various backgrounds – rural and urban, orthodox and non-orthodox, etc. As a result, their sensitivities vary. Starting a new session should make new friends, says YSR Murthy, Vice Chancellor and Founding Dean, School of Law, but no ice-breaking session should lead to lasting psychological effects, trauma or extreme self-harm.
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“Ragging can be curbed by convincing the student community about the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of any discrimination. True education enables us to treat each other in a truly respectful manner,” Murthy said.
He further said, “Apart from this, we can enlighten the students about the lasting impact of ragging on the psyche of a young impressionable mind. The Supreme Court directions may also be highlighted and that ragging is a criminal offense and a can trigger the criminal justice process.”
In May 2009, the Supreme Court issued several directions to educational institutions to prevent ragging on campus. Based on the apex court’s order, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and several state governments have banned ragging in all forms and laid down certain rules and regulations for the institutions to follow. These rules include constitution of anti-ragging committees with representatives of teachers, students, parents, regular interaction and consultation with students and surprise inspection of hostels.
After the guidelines were issued, many institutions, especially reputed ones, formed anti-ragging committees, but in most of the colleges and universities, such committees are not functional and are activated only when a brutal case of ragging comes to light. Is.
Dr Venkata Ramani Challa, director of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, CMR University, says universities should host informative sessions and workshops to educate students, faculty and staff on the importance of creating a culture of respect. “Revising and implementing policies on ragging, including stricter punishments for those who engage in this behaviour, is another important aspect. All institutions should offer additional resources and support, including counseling services,” said Dr.
Apart from forming flying squads to monitor the situation at the ground level, the institutes can sensitize the students through posters, orientation programmes. The institution of the buddy system where a senior student acts as a friend to a newcomer can also usher in a culture of brotherhood among students,” Murthy said.
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