On ragging in higher educational institutions – Unending ordeal

Source: The post on ragging in higher educational institutions is based on the article “Unending ordeal- Law enforcement officials and colleges must do more to prevent ragging” published in “The Hindu” on 11th November 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

News: The article discusses the ongoing problem of ragging in Indian universities, despite laws and regulations to stop it, and suggests that more effective prevention and accountability measures are needed.

What is “ragging”?

According to the Supreme Court of India (Vishwa Jagriti Mission case), ragging is defined as any disorderly conduct that involves teasing, treating, or handling fellow students with rudeness. It includes engaging in undisciplined activities that cause annoyance, psychological harm, or generate fear among junior students. The Court views it as an act often motivated by deriving sadistic pleasure or showcasing superiority by seniors over freshers.

What are the anti-ragging measures in India?

Judicial Measures: The Supreme Court’s intervention in 2001, which banned ragging across the nation, was a significant step. It further mandated the establishment of proctoral committees within educational institutions to actively monitor and address ragging issues. For severe incidents, the Court recommended reporting to the police.

Legal Measures: On the legal front, ragging cases can be addressed under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code. Sections 339 and 340, dealing with wrongful restraint and confinement, are pertinent. Additionally, several states, such as Kerala and Maharashtra, have enacted specific anti-ragging laws providing a robust legal framework at the state level.

UGC Measures: The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) comprehensive guidelines issued in 2009 include requiring universities to ensure students sign anti-ragging undertakings and establishing vigilant committees comprising staff and senior students. The UGC also supports an anti-ragging helpline, available in 12 languages, and maintains a dedicated website for reporting and tracking ragging incidents.

Other Measures:

The 2007 R.K. Raghavan Committee report described ragging as psychopathic behavior. It recommended both its prohibition and the implementation of preventive measures, which shaped the UGC’s 2006 guidelines.

The Unny Committee’s recommendations, which included a range of punishments for ragging, from monetary fines to imprisonment, further reinforced the seriousness of the issue.

What are the Gaps in the anti-ragging System?

Lack of Effective Prevention: State laws mainly focus on prohibiting ragging rather than preventing it. This approach fails to address the root causes and behaviors leading to ragging.

Poor Enforcement of Regulations: Despite the existence of guidelines like the UGC’s 2009 regulations, their strict implementation by governments and authorities is lacking, leading to unsafe campus environments.

Insufficient Institutional Measures: Educational institutions often limit their anti-ragging efforts to formalities like displaying ‘no-ragging’ notices and obtaining undertakings from students and parents. This does not effectively deter ragging.

What should be done?

Strengthen Institutional Accountability: Educational institutions should be held accountable for preventing ragging. This can be done through regular monitoring and strict enforcement of anti-ragging policies.

Create Supportive Environments: Establish systems where teachers and hostel wardens are easily approachable for students facing ragging. This will ensure victims receive immediate assistance.

Involve Multiple Stakeholders: Engage not just students and teachers, but also parents in the anti-ragging campaign, fostering a community-wide effort against ragging.

Question to practice

Discuss the effectiveness of the current measures in place to combat ragging in Indian universities and explore potential strategies for improvement.