Strong anti-ragging laws have not eradicated ragging in some colleges of Maharashtra. At least 20 cases of mental or physical torture are being registered annually on an average,reveals data of the last five years available with national anti-ragging helpline of the University Grants Commission. The state is fifth in India in ragging cases. The UGC helpline has received 99 complaints of ragging from students between June 2009 and June 2013. The helpline received five complaints in the first half of 2013,and much higher in the second half. The maximum of 40 complaints were received by UGC helpline from Maharashtra students in 2011,and last year the number of students reaching out for help using this measure was 15. To eradicate ragging,the Supreme Court has set guidelines for setting up a Central Crisis Hotline and Anti-Ragging database. In keeping with the directives,UGC had started national anti-ragging helpline (UGC Crisis Hotline) and started maintaining a record of registered complaints received,and the status of action taken. Stakeholders have sought strict implementation of anti-ragging measures in Maharashtra to ensure students are shielded from mental or physical trauma at the hands of seniors or classmates. Anil Sahasrabudhe,director of the College of Engineering Pune,told Newsline that ragging is the fallout of the mindset of senior students that they have every right to bully freshers and juniors. The menace of ragging rears its ugly head due to such weird mentality of senior students. These students also see ragging as a means to get acquainted with freshers. However,it often becomes difficult for youngsters to draw a line between facilitating mere introduction and causing acts of trauma to junior students. Arranging formal measures by colleges like freshers party to break the ice between juniors and seniors could be the key, he said. Yashwantrao Chavan Law College principal Shubhada Gholap said ragging getting reported despite all possible anti-ragging measures said to be in place in most educational institutes implies the lacunae in implementation of these measures. In the last four years or so,there has been no single case wherein stern action was taken against students found indulging in ragging. Such action sets a strong deterrent in students. Also,anti-ragging measures are in place in some colleges,but only on paper, she said. As per regulations,all colleges are expected to highlight in their prospectus punishment for ragging,including expulsion,holding back scholarships and results. College have to hold counselling sessions on the ills of ragging at the start of academic year,especially at hostel facilities. They should display banners,billboards and hoardings on campus to spread the anti-ragging message. Half-hearted efforts are seen by many colleges when it comes to taking anti-ragging measures. While some stipulated measures are being taken,several others go up in smoke, youth activist Nilesh Borate said. Reacting,State director of education (higher) Prakash Gaikwad,said ragging takes place in professional rather than non-professional colleges. The State government has adopted a zero tolerance against ragging in colleges. The government will focus more on strict implementation of anti-ragging measures, he said.
