Ragging remains a troubling reality in India’s higher education system. Despite claiming innocent lives and ruining promising careers, some still mistakenly view it as a “rite of passage” or a way to “welcome” new students. This article explores what constitutes ragging, its harmful effects, and the comprehensive measures being implemented to destroy this practice from educational institutions.
What is Ragging?
Ragging refers to any disorderly conduct by students, whether through words or actions, that causes physical or psychological harm, fear, or anxiety in new students. It often involves:
- Forcing junior students to address seniors in an inappropriate manner
- Forcing students to perform humiliating acts
- Asking students to engage in physical activities that could cause bodily harm
- Exploiting the vulnerability of freshers for entertainment
- Stripping or forcing students to strip
- Making sexual or lewd remarks
- Verbal abuse and aggression
- Financial extortion
What might be casually dismissed as “harmless fun” by perpetrators often leaves lasting emotional and psychological scars on victims, sometimes with tragic consequences.
The Real Impact of Ragging
The consequences of ragging extend far beyond momentary discomfort. Victims often experience:
- Psychological trauma: Many students develop anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Academic disruption: The fear and stress can significantly impact concentration and academic performance.
- Social isolation: Victims may withdraw from campus activities and social interactions.
- Dropout rates: In severe cases, students abandon their education entirely.
- Suicide: The most tragic outcome, where students see no other escape from their torture.
National Anti-Ragging Monitoring Agency and Legal Framework
The University Grants Commission (UGC) established the National Anti-Ragging Monitoring Agency and Centre for Youth (C4Y) to coordinate efforts against ragging. This agency provides a 24×7 toll-free helpline (1800-180-5522) and email support ([email protected]) for victims.
The UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions (2009), along with subsequent amendments, form the legal backbone of anti-ragging measures. These regulations:
- Define what constitutes ragging
- Outline mandatory preventive measures for institutions
- Establish corrective actions for perpetrators
- Create monitoring mechanisms at various levels
Mandatory Institutional Measures
All higher education institutions must implement specific anti-ragging measures:
Preventive Steps
- Awareness campaigns: Institutions must conduct regular awareness programs about the dangers and consequences of ragging.
- Anti-ragging committees: Every institution must establish committees at various levels to monitor and prevent ragging.
- Anti-ragging squads: These squads monitor potential ragging hotspots on campus.
- Student undertakings: Both new students and their parents/guardians must submit anti-ragging undertakings during admission.
- Prominently displayed information: Anti-ragging posters and helpline numbers must be visible throughout the campus.
Reporting Mechanisms
- Online complaint registration: The national anti-ragging portal allows for easy registration of complaints.
- Institutional helplines: Each institution must maintain its own anti-ragging helpline.
- Anonymous reporting options: Systems that protect the identity of complainants encourage reporting.
Correctional Measures
Ragging is treated as a serious offense with severe consequences:
- Suspension or expulsion: Students found guilty of ragging face immediate suspension or permanent expulsion.
- Criminal proceedings: Ragging constitutes a criminal offense under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
- Financial penalties: Institutions can impose substantial fines on offenders.
- Withholding scholarships: Students involved in ragging may lose financial assistance.
- Institutional accountability: Institutions failing to prevent ragging or take action against it face penalties themselves, including potential withdrawal of UGC funding.
The Role of Students in Creating a Ragging-Free Campus
While institutional measures are essential, students themselves play a crucial role in eliminating ragging:
- Report incidents: Never hesitate to report ragging, whether you’re a victim or a witness.
- Support victims: Stand by those who have experienced ragging and encourage them to seek help.
- Promote healthy interaction: Develop constructive ways for seniors and juniors to interact and build relationships.
- Peer awareness: Educate fellow students about the serious consequences of ragging.
- Challenge misconceptions: Confront the narrative that ragging is “tradition” or “beneficial” for new students.
Breaking the Cycle: Creating a New Campus Culture
The most effective long-term solution involves creating a campus culture where ragging is unacceptable:
- Mentoring programs: Formal mentoring connects seniors and juniors in constructive relationships.
- Orientation activities: Well-structured orientation programs help freshers adjust without subjecting them to humiliation.
- Inclusive events: Campus-wide events that bring together students from all years on equal footing.
- Leadership opportunities: Programs that allow students to develop leadership skills without dominating others.
Looking Ahead
Ragging has no place in educational institutions that aim to nurture learning, growth, and development. Its elimination requires a comprehensive approach involving institutional policies, legal frameworks, and most importantly, a shift in student attitudes.
By understanding that true respect and community cannot be built on a foundation of fear and humiliation, we can work toward creating campus environments where every student feels safe, valued, and able to pursue their educational goals without fear.
The question we must all ask ourselves is not “How can we continue this tradition?” but rather “How can we build a campus culture based on mutual respect, dignity, and genuine inclusion?” The answer lies in collective action, unchangeable commitment, and zero tolerance for any form of ragging.