In recent times, multiple ragging deaths and complaints have been reported on college campuses from different parts of the country. Of late, The Universal Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman, emphasized that weak enforcement of anti-ragging regulations enables perpetrators to escape accountability.
Important Statistics on Ragging in India
- Suicides/Deaths: 78 cases linked to ragging (Jan 2012–Oct 2023).
- UGC Helpline Complaints: 8,000+ cases, with a 208% rise (2012–2022).
What is Ragging?
It is an act – verbal, written, or physical – that harasses, intimidates, or humiliates juniors, causing psychological or physical harm. As a consequence, it aims to assert dominance, instil fear, or humiliate the victim, often disguised as an “initiation ritual.”
Forms of ragging– This can be verbal (abuse, threats), physical (assault, forced activities), psychological (isolation, humiliation), or cyber-based (online harassment, social media bullying).
Legal recognition– Defined under UGC regulation on Curbing the Menace of Ragging, 2009, and penalized under IT Act, 2000 (for cyberbullying).
Consequences of Ragging
Impact on victims
- Psychological trauma: This leads to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies.
- Academic decline: Fear of harassment causes loss of focus and absenteeism.
- Health deterioration: Stress can trigger insomnia, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Consequences for Raggers
- Legal prosecution: Punishable under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 323, 506, 509.
- Academic penalties: Includes suspension, expulsion, and blacklisting from institutions.
- Criminal record: Can jeopardize career opportunities and future education.
Impact on institutions
- Loss of reputation: Recurring ragging incidents harm an institution’s public image and rankings.
- UGC action: Institutions failing to prevent ragging risk funding cuts and de-recognition.
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Impact on parents and society
- Emotional distress: Parents face mental agony and financial burden due to legal battles and medical costs.
- Erosion of trust: Society loses faith in educational institutions as safe spaces for students
Challenges in countering ragging
1. Poor implementation of laws: UGC Clause 9.4 allows action against institutions, but enforcement remains weak. Many colleges fail to display anti-ragging helpline details, limiting awareness.
2. Lack of awareness and reporting fear: Students fear retaliation and hesitate to report cases due to institutional inaction. Many victims accept ragging as a tradition, preventing timely intervention.
3. Inadequate monitoring mechanism: Weak CCTV surveillance and lack of digital complaint tracking hinder accountability. Helpline inefficiencies lead to several cases going unreported.
4. Influence of senior students and peer pressure: Ragging is often culturally normal among seniors, making it hard to eliminate. Many institutions hesitate to act due to political and administrative pressure.
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Anti-Ragging framework in India
- UGC Regulations: Students must submit three anti-ragging affidavits during a three-year course.
- Raghavan Committee (2007): Advocated for strict enforcement, criminalization of ragging, as well as institutional accountability.
- Other Recommendations: Enhance monitoring with complaint boxes, CCTV, and ID-based dashboards; extend regulations to all institutions; moreover enforce strict legal compliance.
Way Forward
1. Strengthening legal and institutional framework: UGC should invoke Clause 9.4 against non-compliant institutions. Police verification and fast-track trials must ensure strict punishment for offenders.
2. Technology-driven monitoring: AI-based facial recognition CCTVs should be installed in hostels. In addition to this, a digital ID-based tracking system must be implemented for victim safety.
3. Awareness and behavioural change: Mandatory anti-ragging workshops and psychological counselling should be introduced. Also, Student mentorship programs should create a culture of inclusivity.
4. Strengthening reporting mechanism: The UGC helpline must improve accessibility and response time. Also, Anonymous digital complaint portals with direct police alerts should be established.
Conclusion:
Ragging continues to plague India’s higher education system despite strong laws and Supreme Court guidelines. A multi-pronged approach, involving legal action, institutional reforms, and technology integration, besides cultural change, is essential. Ensuring strict enforcement and fostering student-led initiatives can help create a ragging-free academic environment.