Ragging in colleges has to be abolished — UGC

NEW DELHI, MARCH 30: Perturbed over ragging in colleges, the University Grants Commission has asked state governments and universities to ...

NEW DELHI, MARCH 30: Perturbed over ragging in colleges, the University Grants Commission has asked state governments and universities to take stern measures to put an end to the menace by making it a cognisable offence.

"Ragging is a menace in educational institutions. Students have sometimes died…We are ashamed about it and have to put an end to the practice," UGC chairman Dr Hari Gautam said.

The UGC has recommended Rigorous Imprisonment for three years, besides a fine of Rs 25,000 for those caught in the act and urged state and Central governments to enact a law against ragging wherever it does not exist.

The Vice-Chancellor or Principal can only expel, fine or rusticate a student, Gautam said, adding, "We have advised that it be made a cognisable offence".

The UGC has also decided to take strict action against an instiution that does not take steps against ragging by “either de-affiliating it in the case of a college or cutting down financial assistance if it is a university”.

Gautam said the recomendations were three-edged – prohibition, prevention and punishment and based on a report by a four-member committee constituted by the UGC.

The UGC’s guidelines have been circulated to all state governments, universties and colleges recently.

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"The suggestions have been sent and we hope all the institutions will comply," Gautam said, adding that the responsibility to abolish ragging lies mainly with Vice Chancellors and principals.

The move follows a Supreme Court directive to the UGC for framing guidelines to stop ragging.

The Committee also said ragging, a practice in vogue for several years indulged in by college bullies against freshers, be treated on par with atrocities.