Answer:

Introduction:

Ragging, an archaic initiation rite prevalent in many educational institutions, has increasingly come under scrutiny in India. Initially considered a harmless tradition to break the ice between seniors and freshmen, it has, in many instances, transformed into a form of abuse and humiliation.

Body:

Nature of Ragging:

• Originally intended as light-hearted banter, the nature of ragging has evolved into severe mental, emotional, and sometimes physical torture.
• For example, numerous reports indicate instances where freshers have been subjected to physical harm, leading to grave injuries or even fatalities.

Challenges in Eradicating Ragging:

• Cultural Acceptance: Many seniors believe they are passing down a tradition, having experienced ragging themselves.
• Fear and Silence: Freshers fear reporting incidents due to concerns about retaliation or being ostracized.
• Inadequate Oversight: Especially in large campuses and hostels, it’s challenging for authorities to monitor all interactions.
• Inconsistent Penalties: While laws exist, their application varies, often influenced by the status or influence of the perpetrators.

Measures Taken by Educational Institutions:

• Orientation Programs: Informing newcomers about their rights and providing avenues for complaints.
• Anti-Ragging Committees: Comprising faculty and senior students to oversee and prevent ragging activities.
• Strict Penalties: Including suspension or expulsion for those found guilty.
• For example, many premier institutions, like the IITs and IIMs, have stringent anti-ragging policies in place, leading to almost negligible incidents in recent years.

Government Initiatives:

• Legal Measures: 
  • The Supreme Court of India, in 2009, defined ragging as a criminal offense. 
  • States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have also passed laws specifically targeting ragging.
• Awareness Programs: 
  • The government has initiated campaigns in collaboration with NGOs to spread awareness against ragging.
• Central Database: 
  • The University Grants Commission (UGC) maintains a central database of ragging complaints to monitor and address incidents.
• National Anti-Ragging Helpline: 
  • Launched by the Indian government, it provides a platform for victims or witnesses to report incidents, ensuring anonymity.
• Mandatory Anti-Ragging Affidavits: 
  • Both students and their parents are required to submit signed affidavits at the time of admission, declaring they understand the consequences of ragging.

Conclusion: 

While significant progress has been made in tackling the menace of ragging in Indian educational institutions, the persistence of isolated incidents underscores the need for continuous vigilance. A multi-pronged approach, involving the government, educational institutions, students, and society at large, is essential to eradicate this deep-rooted problem entirely. As India aspires to be a global educational hub, ensuring the safety and dignity of every student becomes paramount.

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