Department of Higher Education (DHE) has directed the college officials to be extra vigilant during the first few months of the academic session to prevent ragging on campus.
With students apprehensive of being ragged by seniors during ‘interaction period’, the DHE has issued a directive to the principals of all the colleges to look into the issue.
The directive is in line with the suggestions prescribed by the Society Against Violence in Education which has requested the Government to put in place stringent measures to eradicate ragging from colleges.
“Hostel wardens have been asked to take precautionary measures on hostel premises and faculties will initiate surprise visits to the hostels,” said DHE Principal Secretary Gagan Dhal.
As per the regulations framed by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the freshers are to be kept in a separate hostel from their seniors.
Every college has to create anti-ragging committee and anti-ragging squad which will comprise students as well as faculty representatives.
The squad will be also responsible for conducting surprise visits, specifically during the night to ensure that the hostel premises are ragging-free.
Police officials have also been asked to exercise urgency and take appropriate action against the perpetrators. As per the DHE directives, the college officials should not try to suppress any ragging or harassment related incident if it comes to their notice.
All the freshers will be provided with the contact details of national anti-ragging helpline.
“Students who will be found indulging in ragging or harassing their juniors will be immediately suspended or rusticated from the college.
The level of punishment will depend on severity of the crime,” said Dhal.