UGC Urges Universities, Colleges to Strengthen Anti-Ragging Measures to Ensure Student Safety

The commission has called for the establishment of Anti-Ragging Committees, Squads, and dedicated Cells in all institutions to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for students. Institutions have been instructed to raise awareness about anti-ragging measures.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive to higher education institutions, urging them to reinforce anti-ragging mechanisms in line with the Supreme Court’s 2009 judgment and the "Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009."

The UGC letter emphasized that ragging is a criminal offense and warned that failure to comply with these mandatory regulations would result in strict punitive action.

The commission has called for the establishment of Anti-Ragging Committees, Squads, and dedicated Cells in all institutions to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for students. Institutions have been instructed to raise awareness about anti-ragging measures through posters, workshops, seminars, and online platforms. They must also ensure enhanced surveillance by installing CCTV cameras at critical points, conducting surprise inspections in hostels and common areas, and maintaining a robust monitoring mechanism.

Additionally, universities and colleges have been directed to update their websites with contact details of nodal officers and include anti-ragging warnings in e-prospectuses and other institutional materials. Posters carrying anti-ragging messages must be displayed prominently at admission centers, libraries, hostels, and recreational spaces. Regular interaction and counseling with students, along with the identification of potential trouble areas, have been emphasized to prevent incidents.

The UGC reminded institutions that the National Anti-Ragging Helpline (1800-180-5522) is available 24x7 to support students in distress. The commission has reiterated that any institution found negligent in implementing these measures or failing to act against incidents of ragging will face serious consequences. Institutions have been encouraged to adopt any additional steps that could contribute to curbing the menace of ragging and ensuring a safe educational environment. Further details and resources, including posters, can be accessed on the UGC website.

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