Nearly 90% of over 1,000 ragging cases settled: UGC
NEW DELHI: As many as 1,240 ragging incidents were reported in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) over the last year, of which 1,113 cases, or 89.76 per cent cases, have been resolved by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Most of the ragging incidents - over 82 per cent - were reported by males from January 1, 2023, to April 28 this year, the UGC Chairman, Prof. M.Jagadesh Kumar, said.
Speaking with The New Indian Express, Kumar said the nearly 90 per cent of ragging cases that were resolved highlight the commitment of the UGC and the institutions to promptly address ragging complaints and help provide students with a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students in universities and colleges across India.
Currently, 127 active complaints, or 10.24%, are still pending, and the UGC plans to resolve them soon.
According to data, 82.18% male, 17.74% female, and 0.08% transgender people reported ragging incidents. These complaints were reported in the dedicated toll-free anti-ragging helpline number (1800-180-5522) and also at the anti-ragging cell at the UGC.
The round-the-clock helpline was set up following the directive of the Supreme Court in 2009.
Recently, the UGC asked the states to establish district-level panels to curb the menace of ragging in HEIs in compliance with the directives of the SC in its judgment in 2009.
These committees include various stakeholders, including the district collector/district magistrate, head of the university, superintendent of police, additional district magistrate, representative of local media, student organisations, and others.
The idea behind these district committees is to proactively prevent ragging incidents and ensure swift action when complaints arise.
“Bringing together diverse stakeholders will help create better communication and coordinated efforts between educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and anti-ragging squads,” Prof Kumar said.
Apart from the helpline number, students can also register their complaints anonymously through UGC’s secure portal: www.antiragging.in. Students can also mail UGC helpline@antiragging.in. The UGC monitors social media platforms and news reports for potential ragging incidents and takes suo moto action too.
Once a complaint is registered, a student receives a unique ID to track the case.
The complaint is also forwarded to the heads of the institutions and the police for immediate investigation.
The helpline also stays involved throughout and ensures that a thorough investigation is carried out. The reports are shared with the complainant, whose identity is not revealed, and if needed, the UGC can also launch reinvestigation.
“Students must report ragging incidents confidently, knowing that the UGC is committed to ensuring a safe and positive learning environment for all students,” he said.
“The robust monitoring system sends a clear message to institutions that ragging will not be tolerated. This creates a stronger deterrent effect and discourages potential incidents. By actively addressing ragging, UGC aims to cultivate a learning environment built on mutual respect, inclusivity, and well-being for all students,” the UGC chairman said.
Following the SC directive, the UGC also collaborates with an independent NGO to monitor anti-ragging complaints and ensure universities are upholding their obligations to prevent ragging.
“UGC encourages students to utilise the anti-ragging helpline and report any ragging incidents they may experience or witness. By working together, we can eradicate this menace and create a culture of respect and dignity on our campuses,” he added.
UGC has also notified the Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009, underlining the criminality of ragging and mandating its prevention, prohibition, and elimination in HEIs.