By The Sampadak Express
In a significant development, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued show-cause notices to 18 medical colleges across India for their failure to adhere to anti-ragging regulations. The move is part of the UGC’s ongoing efforts to enforce stricter measures against ragging, which continues to be a serious issue in educational institutions. The notices were sent on Thursday, with the UGC citing specific violations related to the Anti-Ragging Regulations, 2009.
The colleges in question are spread across several states, including Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. Among these, two colleges each from Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry have been named, along with three from Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Additionally, one college each from Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh is also under scrutiny.
Reasons for the Show-Cause Notices
The UGC’s action comes after it was found that these institutions had not fulfilled the mandatory requirements outlined in the Anti-Ragging Regulations, 2009. Specifically, the colleges failed to obtain the necessary anti-ragging undertakings from students, which are a critical part of the regulations aimed at curbing ragging on campuses.
Manish Joshi, the Secretary of the UGC, confirmed that the institutions had not complied with several key provisions, thus prompting the Commission to take corrective action. “It has come to our notice that these institutions did not obtain the anti-ragging undertakings from students, as required by the regulations. This is a serious violation, and the UGC is taking necessary steps to ensure compliance,” he said.
UGC’s Anti-Ragging Circular
On January 28, the UGC issued a circular emphasizing the need for strict anti-ragging measures in all higher educational institutions (HEIs). The circular warned that any violation of the rules would be dealt with seriously and that institutions failing to take adequate steps to prevent ragging would face severe consequences.
The UGC’s guidelines include the establishment of Anti-Ragging Committees and Anti-Ragging Squads at all HEIs. Furthermore, institutions are required to set up dedicated Anti-Ragging Cells and install CCTV cameras at critical locations around the campus. In addition, the UGC has mandated that educational institutions organize workshops and seminars to raise awareness on the dangers of ragging. Institutions must also display anti-ragging posters prominently in key areas, including libraries, hostels, canteens, and admission centers.
UGC’s Compliance Expectations
The UGC expects strict compliance from all institutions in implementing these anti-ragging measures. Institutions that fail to enforce these rules or take effective action against those involved in ragging will face severe repercussions, including the possibility of the UGC withdrawing funding or accreditation.
In line with its efforts to address the menace of ragging, the UGC has provided guidelines for institutions to follow, which are available on their official websites, ugc.gov.in and antiragging.in. The guidelines are designed to create a safe and conducive environment for students by eliminating the problem of ragging, which can cause physical and mental harm to victims and create a toxic atmosphere on campuses.
A Growing Concern
Ragging remains a significant problem in many educational institutions across India, despite years of efforts to eliminate the practice. The UGC’s strict stance is aimed at curbing this issue, ensuring that institutions take responsibility for the safety and well-being of their students.
As the UGC moves forward with this initiative, it has sent a clear message to all educational institutions that they must adhere to anti-ragging regulations to ensure the safety and security of students. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in serious consequences, including the loss of institutional recognition.
The recent show-cause notices to the 18 medical colleges underscore the UGC’s commitment to enforcing anti-ragging measures and ensuring that institutions take responsibility for preventing ragging. Educational institutions are urged to implement the UGC’s guidelines promptly to avoid any further action. With increased vigilance and adherence to anti-ragging regulations, the UGC hopes to create safer learning environments for students across the country.
