Ragging in India – Challenges & Measures Explained Pointwise

Ragging in educational institutions has been a persistent issue in India, often resulting in severe physical, psychological, and emotional harm to students. Despite strict legal provisions and Supreme Court directives, incidents of ragging continue to occur, as highlighted by the recent cases in Kerala’s Government College of Nursing, Kottayam, and Government College, Karyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram. This article explores the issue of ragging, its impact, reasons for its persistence, and measures to eradicate it effectively. Ragging in India

What is the definition of Ragging?

The Supreme Court of India, in the Vishwa Jagriti Mission v. Central Government (2001) case, defined ragging as any act that:

• Involves disorderly conduct, spoken or written words that tease or treat a fresher/junior rudely.
• Displays rowdy or undisciplined behavior causing annoyance, hardship, or psychological harm.
• Instills fear or apprehension in freshers/juniors.
• Forces students to perform acts they wouldn’t normally do, leading to shame or embarrassment.
• Adversely affects the physical or mental well-being of students.

Ragging can take many forms, including physical, psychological, sexual, or verbal abuse, often leading to severe consequences such as depression, anxiety, and even suicides.

What are the recent incidents of ragging and related statistics?

Despite efforts to curb ragging, incidents continue to be reported across the country. Some concerning statistics include:

What are the consequences of Ragging?

1. Impact on Victims

• Physical harm: Cases of injuries, disabilities, and even deaths due to violent ragging.
• Psychological trauma: Victims suffer from anxiety, depression and suicidal tendencies.
• Academic disruption: Fear of harassment leads to loss of focus, absenteeism, and declining performance.
• Health issues: Stress-induced problems like insomnia, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

2. Legal consequences for Perpetrators:

• Criminal Charges: Ragging is punishable under various IPC sections, including:
  • Section 323 – Causing hurt
  • Section 506 – Criminal intimidation
  • Section 509 – Outraging modesty
  • Section 306 – Abetment of suicide (in extreme cases)
• Academic Penalties: Suspension, expulsion, blacklisting from institutions, and loss of scholarships.
• Career Damage: Criminal records can lead to disqualification from government jobs and private employment opportunities.

3. Impact on Educational Institutions

• Loss of reputation: Institutions known for ragging face negative media attention and declining admissions.
• UGC & Government Action: Colleges failing to curb ragging risk funding cuts, de-recognition, and legal action under UGC Clause 9.4.
• Campus environment: A culture of fear and violence disrupts learning and student well-being.

4. Impact on Parents & Society

• Emotional & Financial Burden: Parents of victims suffer mental distress and financial hardships due to medical and legal expenses.
• Erosion of Trust: Society loses faith in educational institutions as safe spaces, leading to increased calls for strict anti-ragging laws.

What are the challenges in combating Ragging? 

1. Weak Enforcement of Regulations– Despite Supreme Court directives and UGC regulations, enforcement remains ineffective.

• Clause 9.4 of the UGC Regulations allows action against non-compliant institutions, yet it has never been enforced since 2009.
• Institutional apathy leads to ragging complaints being dismissed as trivial conflicts.

2. Lack of awareness and sensitization

• Many seniors are unaware of the severe psychological and legal consequences of ragging.
• Institutions fail to conduct effective orientation programs to educate students on the dangers of ragging.

3. Fear of reporting

• Victims hesitate to report due to fear of retaliation from seniors.
• Social stigma discourages victims from speaking out, as they fear being labeled weak.

4. Ineffective grievance redressal

• Many anti-ragging committees exist only in name, lacking real authority or action.
• Complaints are often ignored or not resolved in a timely manner.

5. Inadequate monitoring & grievance mechanisms

• Poor CCTV surveillance and lack of digital complaint tracking reduce transparency and accountability.
• Inefficiencies in anti-ragging helplines result in many cases going unreported or unresolved.

6. Cultural Acceptance

• “Initiation Ritual” Mindset: Many seniors perceive ragging as a tradition to bond with juniors.
• Peer Pressure: A cycle of abuse continues as former victims impose the same experiences on newcomers.

What are the committees and legal framework against Ragging in India?

1. Raghavan Committee (2007)- Recommended mandatory anti-ragging affidavits, FIR filing, disciplinary actions, and sensitization programs.

2. Unny Committee (1999)– Emphasized student safety, institutional accountability, and grievance redressal.

3. UGC Regulations (2009)– Allowed strict penalties for institutions failing to prevent ragging. These regulations were based on the recommendations of the Raghavan Committee.

4. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023– New criminal provisions to address ragging under wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, and assault.

5. State-Specific Anti-Ragging Laws– Kerala (1998), Maharashtra (1999), Andhra Pradesh (1997), Assam (1998) have strict anti-ragging laws.

6. Information Technology (IT) Act (2000): Cyber ragging (e.g., online harassment or bullying) can be prosecuted under the IT Act. Section 66A (now repealed) and Section 67 (publishing obscene material) were used to address online ragging.

Supreme Court guidelines on Ragging
Vishwa Jagriti Mission v. Central Govt (2001): The Supreme Court mandated strict anti-ragging measures in educational institutions.

What is the way forward?

1. Strengthening legal & institutional framework

• Invoke UGC Clause 9.4 against non-compliant institutions.
• Fast-track trials and strict punishment for offenders.

2. Technology-driven monitoring

• Install AI-based CCTVs in hostels and campuses.
• Create anonymous digital complaint tracking systems.

3. Awareness & Behavioral change

• Conduct mandatory anti-ragging workshops.
• Implement student mentorship programs to foster inclusivity.

4. Strengthening reporting mechanisms

• Improve UGC helpline accessibility.
• Establish anonymous online reporting portals with direct police alerts.

5. Community and peer involvement:

• Mobilize senior students to act as mentors and promote a positive campus culture.
• Engage parents and local communities in anti-ragging initiatives.

Conclusion

Despite strong laws and Supreme Court guidelines, ragging continues to plague India’s education system. A multi-pronged approach involving legal action, institutional reforms, technology integration, and cultural change is essential. Strict enforcement and student-led initiatives can create a safe and inclusive academic environment, free from the menace of ragging.