Persistent Ragging in higher educational institutions

 Persistent Ragging in higher educational instit

• According to latest report  ‘State of Ragging in India 2022-24 , published by a NGO -Society against violence in Education- a total of 51 deaths occurred between 2022-2024 due to ragging in educational institutions.

• A recently 25 year old research scholar tragically lost her life following harassment by fellow researchers.

Definition as per SC

The Supreme Court of India, in the Vishwa Jagriti Mission v. Central Government (2001) case, defined ragging as any act that:

• Involves disorderly conduct, spoken or written words that tease or treat a fresher/junior rudely.

• Displays rowdy or undisciplined behavior causing annoyance, hardship, or psychological harm.

• Instills fear or apprehension in freshers/juniors.

• Forces students to perform acts they wouldn’t normally do, leading to shame or embarrassment.

• Ragging has  many forms, including physical, psychological, sexual, or verbal abuse, often leading to severe consequences such as depression, anxiety, and even suicides.

• Impact of Ragging 

  1. Impact on Victims- Physical harm, psychological harm, Academic disruption , Health Issues 

  2. Legal consequences for Perpetrators- Academic Penalties: Suspension, expulsion, blacklisting from institutions, and loss of scholarships.

          2. 1. Career Damage: Criminal records can lead to disqualification from  jobs and employmen opportunities.

  3. Impact on Educational Institutions- Lose of reputation , UGC or Govt actions, campus environment 

  4. Impact on parent and society - erosion of trust , emotional & financial burden .

• Challenges in combating Ragging:

  1. Weak Enforcement of Regulations– Despite Supreme Court directives and UGC regulations, enforcement remains ineffective.

  2. Fear of reporting Victims hesitate to report due to fear of retaliation from seniors.

  3. Ineffective grievance redressal Many anti-ragging committees exist only in name, lacking real authority or action.

  4. Inadequate monitoring & grievance mechanisms Poor CCTV surveillance and lack of digital complaint tracking reduce transparency and accountability.

  5. Cultural Acceptance- “Initiation Ritual” Mindset: Many seniors perceive ragging as a tradition to bond with juniors

  6. committees and legal framework against Ragging in India

  7. . Raghavan Committee (2007)- Recommended mandatory anti-ragging affidavits, FIR filing, disciplinary actions, and sensitization programs

     
     

     2. UGC Regulations (2009)– Allowed strict penalties for institutions failing to prevent ragging. These regulations were based on the recommendations of the Raghavan Committee.

     
     

     3. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023– New criminal provisions to address ragging under wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, and assault.

     4. Information Technology (IT) Act (2000): Cyber ragging (e.g., online harassment or bullying) can be prosecuted under the IT Act. Section 66A (now repealed) and Section 67 (publishing obscene material) were used to address online ragging.

     
     

     5.Supreme Court guidelines on Ragging

     Vishwa Jagriti Mission v. Central Govt (2001): The Supreme Court mandated strict anti-ragging measures in educational institutions.- Set up Anti-Ragging Committees & Squads for surprise checks and complaint redressal.,File FIR within 24 hours of a confirmed ragging incident, Display anti-ragging guidelines prominently on websites and campuses.Make students submit affidavits annually pledging not to engage in ragging

  8. 1. Strengthening legal & institutional framework

     2. Technology-driven monitoring

     3. Awareness & Behavioral change

     4. Strengthening reporting mechanisms

     5. Community and peer involvement:

     
     

     Conclusion

     In-spite of strong laws and Supreme Court guidelines, ragging continues to plague India’s education system. Therefore, a multi-pronged approach involving legal action, institutional reforms, technology integration, and cultural change is essential to free from the menace of ragging.