Zero tolerance for ragging

With the new sessions beginning in the City’s colleges, the topic of ragging is one that often crops up. Since ragging has been declared a criminal offence, institutions are making sure that any untoward activities that could be viewed as ‘ragging’ are curbed.

From the guidelines defined by the Supreme Court, the umbrella term of ‘ragging’ encompasses acts of humiliation; acts which involve physical or psychological threat; those that violate the status, dignity and honour of students and verbal abuse.

For those who don’t wish to approach the college directly, the national anti-ragging helpline (18001805522) is a good option. “When the victim registers a complaint, we take down the details of the student and the university they go to. We then forward the information to four high authorities — the college principal, university chancellor, area HSO and the superintendent of police. Within seven days, they enquire into the complaint and take necessary action,” informs Hemant, who works with the helpline.

As a precautionary measure, most colleges also have active committees that monitor and curb the menace of ragging. At Vogue Institute of Fashion Technology, for instance, the anti-ragging committee, headed by the principal, includes students, senior faculty and staff members. “We have a notice board which says ‘Ragging is a punishable offence and strictly prohibited in the campus’ and the same is displayed in corridors, classrooms, the canteen and laboratories. We start creating awareness against ragging during the orientation programme itself to ensure that students are aware of its consequences.

Even the first interaction of the students happens in the presence of a faculty member,” shares S Devaraj, the principal.

“Students are not permitted to conduct their fresher party outside the campus. This year, we are planning to have a flying squad committee which will frequently visit hostels. If anyone is found indulging in ragging, strict action will be taken. We are also planning to take signatures both from students and their parents agreeing to take actions if he or she is involved in ragging. Ever since we have taken these measures, no ragging complaints have been registered in the college. We are proud of having a ragging-free campus,” he
elaborates.
MS Ramaiah College of Hotel Management also has a zero tolerance policy towards ragging.
“The anti-ragging committee meets every ten to 15 days to review and discuss whatever happens in college. If any problem arises, they come up with solutions. But it’s not like we’ve had any ‘incidents’ in this college,” shares Prasanna Kumar, professor and head, department of management studies.
“We make the students and parents sign an undertaking and keep renewing it for the seniors every year. Besides, we try and build up a friendly atmosphere from the orientation itself,” he adds.