The University Grants Commission (UGC) on January 22, 2025, notified regarding the menace of ragging in higher educational institutions.
Ragging is a criminal offense, and UGC has set mandatory regulations to prevent and eliminate it in higher educational institutions. Institutions must fully implement these regulations, including establishing monitoring mechanisms. Failure to comply or address incidents of ragging will result in punitive action by the UGC.
Institutions are urged to strengthen anti-ragging measures by increasing awareness through various channels, forming anti-ragging committees and squads, setting up anti-ragging cells, installing CCTV, and conducting workshops. They must regularly interact with students, identify potential trouble spots, and include anti-ragging warnings in digital materials. Additionally, surprise inspections and display of large anti-ragging posters at key locations are required. Any other steps to prevent ragging should also be taken.
Students in distress due to ragging related incidents can call the National Anti-Ragging Helpline 1800-180-5522 (24x7 Toll Free) or e-mail the Anti-Ragging Helpline at [email protected]. For any other information regarding ragging you may please visit the UGC website i.e. www.ugc.gov.in & www.antiragging.in and contact UGC monitoring agency i e. Centre for Youth (C4Y) on Mobile No. 09818044577 (only in case of emergency).
In compliance to the directions of the Anti-Ragging Monitoring Committee constituted by Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, HEls/Councils have to implement the following:
• The concept of mentor-mentee as given out in the UGC Regulations for curbing the Menace of Ragging in HEls - 2009 be followed by students in all institutions to make a comfortable bond amongst Juniors and Seniors.
• The Anti Ragging Cell and Anti Ragging Squads of institutions should be empowered by provisioning of a legal counsel so that airtight cases against the ragging culprits can be made.
• Henceforth for extreme ragging and suicide cases, Principal of the college and Registrar of the University will be called and will be answerable to the National Anti-Ragging Monitoring Committee for the reasons of non-compliance of UGC Regulations for ragging.
• All the Councils/Regulatory Bodies must constitute a committee as and when a serious/suicide/death case is reported related to their Council/Regulatory Body to relook into the issue even when case is under police investigation. The Regulatory Bodies/Councils are also advised to appoint a legal person for the matter.
• The Committee has also instructed the Anti Ragging Monitoring Agency to be more vigilant and carry out surprise checks all across the Nation to ensure that the UGC Regulations to curb the menace of ragging are being strictly adhered to by the HEI's, Teaching Staff and the students. Punitive action as mentioned in these regulations will be taken against the defaulters.
[File No. F. 1-15/2009 (ARC) PLIII]
