Understanding Ragging

Ragging is a disturbing reality in the higher education system of our country. Despite the fact that over the years ragging has claimed hundreds of innocent lives and has ruined careers of thousands of bright students, the practice is still perceived by many as a way of 'familiarization' and an 'initiation into the real world' for young college-going students.

The excuse that ragging is a harmless interaction of senior students with juniors is no longer tenable. According to clinical psychologists and counsellors, ragging can impact the victims in many ways, leading to negative repercussions like low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

Our Aim

To ensure that no ragging takes place in the Institute premises, by promulgating and enforcing stringent anti-ragging measures, and making provisions for deterrent and hard punishment to defaulters.

Ragging is a Grave Crime

Ragging is a cognizable offence (offence for which the police can arrest the offender without warrant). This heinous practice has caused deaths and suicides of many bright students in the recent past in India, forcing the Supreme Court to take a serious view of the menace.

According to relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), those found guilty of a ragging related offence can be punished with imprisonment or fine or both. The quantum of punishment varies with the gravity of the crime.

What Constitutes Ragging

According to the Honourable Supreme Court of India, ragging means any disorderly conduct which has the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness any other student, causing annoyance, hardship or psychological harm.

• Any conduct by students which has the effect of teasing, treating, or handling with rudeness a fresher or any other student
• Indulging in rowdy or undisciplined activities causing annoyance, hardship or psychological harm
• Asking students to perform acts which cause shame, torment or embarrassment
• Any act that prevents, disrupts or disturbs regular academic activity
• Exploiting services of fresher students for completing academic tasks
• Any act of financial extortion or forceful expenditure burden
• Any act of physical abuse including sexual abuse, stripping, and causing bodily harm
• Any act of abuse by spoken words, e-mails, posts, or public insults
• Any act that affects mental health and self-confidence of students

Prohibition of Ragging

Ragging in any form is strictly prohibited:

• Within the Institute Campus including the Departments, Canteen, etc.
• In Playgrounds, Transport Vehicles, etc.

Punishment

By the Institute:

• Cancellation of admission, suspension, rustication or expulsion from the Institute
• Filing FIR with the police
• Collective punishment may be imposed where persons involved are not identified

By Law & Order Agencies:

Over and above the Institute-level action, there will be strong police and legal action. The Supreme Court has ruled that punishment must be exemplary and justifiably harsh to act as a deterrent.

Anti-Ragging Committee & Squad

Anti-Ragging Committee: The Institute has set up an Anti-Ragging Committee headed by a Senior Professor, comprising senior faculty members and staff to ensure no incidents of ragging take place.

Anti-Ragging Squad: The Squad comprises senior faculty members who patrol the campus, maintain vigil, and investigate incidents of ragging.

Faculty Advisors: Each student is assigned to a Faculty Advisor who frequently interacts with students and provides help and advice.

Reporting Ragging Incidents

Freshers are requested to report any ragging-related matter to any faculty or staff member, Faculty Advisor, or any member of the Anti-Ragging Committee or Squads. Reports can be made:

• In person
• By phone call
• By e-mail
• By written note
• Through drop boxes kept at various locations
• Anonymous complaints are also accepted

Do's and Don'ts for Students

• Be courteous to all. It will make a favorable impression of you
• Always speak the truth, but never be blunt
• Always keep your cell phone with you. Keep it on silent/vibration mode
• Load your cell phone with all important contact numbers of the Institute/your parents

Freshers' Induction Programme

The academic session begins with a special two-week orientation-cum-induction programme to introduce freshers to the education system. This structured programme consists of discussions, cultural programmes, sports and yoga to bring about healthy social interactions among students, faculty and staff.