The University Grants Commission (UGC), in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives, has issued guidelines urging states to establish district-level panels aimed at curbing the menace of ragging in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). These guidelines stem from the Supreme Court’s Judgment of May 8, 2009 in Civil Appeal No. 887/2009. The UGC, exercising its authority, has notified the “Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009.” These regulations, accessible on the UGC website www.ugc.gov.in & www.antiragging.in, underline the criminality of ragging and mandate its prevention, prohibition, and elimination within HEIs. Adherence to these regulations is mandatory for all institutions, with strict monitoring mechanisms in place. Failure to implement these regulations comprehensively, including appropriate disciplinary action against perpetrators, will lead to punitive actions in accordance with the UGC Regulations for Curbing the Menace of Ragging — 2009. The Supreme Court’s orders stipulate the formation of District-Level Anti-Ragging Committees, comprising: 1) District Collector/ Deputy Commissioner/ District Magistrate as the Committee Head. 2) Head of the respective University/College/Institution as a Member. 3) Superintendent of Police/ SSP of the District as a Member. 4) The Additional District Magistrate as the Member Secretary. 5) Representative of the Local Media. 6) Representative from District-Level Non-Governmental Organizations actively engaged in youth development programs. 7) Representatives from student organizations. 8) Local Police, Local administration, as well as Institutional Authorities, to ensure vigilance over incidents falling within the definition of ragging. These District-Level Committees are instructed to convene preparatory meetings during the summer vacation to assess each institution’s readiness and compliance with relevant policies, directives, and guidelines from university/state/central authorities, as well as the Supreme Court’s guidelines on ragging prevention. Furthermore, institutions are urged to conduct publicity campaigns to raise awareness about the criminality of ragging. It is reiterated for all stakeholders that ragging constitutes a criminal offense, and perpetrators will face punitive action as specified in the UGC regulations.
UGC Mandates District-Level Committees to Combat Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions
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