Fresh Start

“First year students should feel welcome,not harassed in the university,” says PU Vice-Chancellor Prof RC Sobti,who met the hostel wardens and instructed them to make arrangements for proper security and vigilance. He also asked the wardens to depute a faculty member and a hostel official to maintain law and order during night and ensure that no incident of ragging takes place. “The wardens should sensitise the hostel inmates about their duties,responsibilities and rights,” he says.

While Prof Naval Kishore,Dean Student Welfare,is making adequate arrangements,Jagbir Singh,Deputy Superintendent of Chandigarh Police,assured full assistance too. Singh told us that they have instructed students to treat their juniors with love and sympathy and if found guilty of ragging,the erring student will be severely punished,as prescribed by law.

At MCM College,Sector 36,the orientation programme mentions the problem of ragging. “Ragging was meant to be a fun activity but has now become an instrument of intimidation. It incites fear and insecurity. But if the college takes adequate precautions,day one in college will be an easy task,” says Prabina Setia,a BA first year student,at MCM College. Incidentally,students admitted here have to get an affidavit signed by them and their parents stating that they will not indulge in acts of ragging.

SD College,Sector 32,too has taken several measures. “Contact numbers of the anti-ragging cell and the faculty have been displayed. Teachers have been advised to keep a lookout on popular hangouts in the colleges to make sure that a peaceful environment prevails,” Prof Ajay Sharma of the college says.

Anti-ragging committee consisting of senior members of the college and anti-ragging squads have been set-up in most campuses. “The squads conduct surprise checks in hostels and near canteen areas while the police squad at the entrance stops outsiders from entering the college,” says Prof Jitinder Kumar of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College,Sector 26,adding that all precautions according to the UGC guidelines 2009 are being taken.

“The month of August is also filled a number of ‘getting to know each other’ exercises like freshers’ parties in colleges. But if someone still tries to play spoil sport,one can always write to the Human Resource Development ministry at helpline@antiragging.net,” says Sunaina Kapoor,a first year BA student of Government College for Girls,Sector 11,who is sure that with all the efforts being put in place,freshers can now look forward to a pleasant experience at their respective campuses.