Context: 

Ragging led to the death of a first-year student at West Bengal’s Jadavpur University (JU).

About Ragging:

• Ragging refers to a form of initiation, harassment, or bullying that occurs in educational institutions, particularly in colleges and universities.
• In India, ragging is considered a serious offense and is often associated with negative consequences for the victims, as well as legal and disciplinary actions against the perpetrators.
• According to University Grant Commission (UGC), 25 students died by suicide between 2018 and 2023 due to ragging.
• Aman Kachroo Case 2009: The first-year student of Medical College in Himachal Pradesh was beaten to death by senior students who were given four years imprisonment and were released on account of good behaviour.
• Ban on Ragging: In 1997, the Supreme Court of India banned ragging in educational institutions.

Recommendations of Raghavan Committee Report on Anti-Ragging

• Establish anti-ragging committees at various levels within the institution, including department, college, and university levels.
• Make it mandatory for institutions to include anti-ragging measures as part of their quality assurance processes.
• Conduct orientation programs for new students to inform them about the institution’s policies against ragging and to make them aware of the consequences of engaging in such activities.
• Ensure strict supervision and monitoring of hostels to prevent ragging incidents from occurring in these residential areas.
• Enforce strict and exemplary punitive actions against those found guilty of ragging, including suspension, expulsion, cancellation of scholarships, and even criminal charges.
• Treat ragging as a criminal offense and take legal action against the perpetrators. This includes filing FIRs and criminal proceedings as required.
• Establish anti-ragging helplines to provide students with a platform to report incidents anonymously, ensuring their safety and encouraging reporting. 

Challenges Associated with Ragging:

• Physical and Psychological Harm: Ragging can lead to experiences like physical injuries, mental distress, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The fear of being targeted can lead to a hostile environment for new students.
• Dropout Rates: Victims of severe ragging incidents might develop a strong aversion to the educational institution and drop out to escape the harassment. This can negatively impact their education and career prospects.
• Mental Health Impact: Ragging can significantly impact the mental health of victims. It can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts in extreme cases.
• Culture of Fear and Intimidation: A culture of fear and intimidation can develop within educational institutions, undermining the sense of community and cooperation that should be present among students.
• Legal Consequences: Ragging is a criminal offense in India, and those involved can face legal action, including fines and imprisonment. This can have lifelong consequences for both the perpetrators and the victims.

Measures to Tackle Ragging:

• UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009:
  • It mandates educational institutions to take measures such as forming anti-ragging committees, sensitizing students and staff, and taking strict actions against those found guilty of ragging.
• Supreme Court Directives: These directives emphasize the importance of creating a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
• Anti-Ragging Committees: All educational institutions are required to set up anti-ragging committees and squads to address complaints related to ragging. These committees are responsible for monitoring, preventing, and addressing incidents of ragging.
• Anti-Ragging Helpline: Institutions often establish helplines to allow students to report incidents of ragging anonymously. These helplines facilitate reporting without fear of retaliation.
• Awareness Programs: Institutions conduct awareness programs to sensitize students about the harmful effects of ragging and the legal consequences associated with it.
• Stringent Punishments: Students found guilty of ragging can face severe punishments, including suspension, expulsion, or even criminal charges under the Indian Penal Code.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that ragging is a criminal offense and goes against the principles of creating a healthy and respectful learning environment. Educational institutions and law enforcement agencies should take this matter seriously, and students are encouraged to report any incidents of ragging to the appropriate authorities. 

News Source: The Hindu