Ragging: Complaints getting settled without being handed over to the police

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though ragging is a non-bailable offence, several educational institutions in the state are settling ragging complaints without forwarding them to the police. Most of the colleges have not even implemented the UGC's recommendation for an anti-ragging committee. The committee should include the principal, teachers, student representatives and the SHO from the nearest police station. The colleges are not forming committees to bypass the rule that complaints should be forwarded to the police.

The Medical Commission has warned that the accreditation of medical colleges will be withdrawn and seats will be reduced if ragging is not reported to the police. The proposals to bar others from entering the hostels of first-year students and to form an anti-ragging committee and squad were not implemented. In case of ragging, the principal should lodge a complaint with the police. Educational institutions must implement a zero-tolerance policy towards ragging. There should be no sexual exploitation or caste-religion-race discrimination on campuses.

Crime and punishment

• Ragging is an offence under Section 13 of the Indian Penal Code
• A student found guilty of ragging can be awarded imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of Rs 10,000
• The guilty student should be expelled from the educational institution
• The guilty student will not be given admission to any other institutions for three years
• Encouraging ragging is also punishable
• Incitement charge against the head of the institution for not taking action on the complaint
• If the head of the institution ignores the complaint, he will also receive the same punishment as the accused.

What is ragging?

Any activity that harms a student physically or mentally is ragging. Ragging can cause fear, anxiety, embarrassment, and panic.

If a complaint is received

1) The head of the institution should conduct an inquiry within seven days

2) The culprits should be suspended if found guilty

3) The complaint should be handed over to the police

Complainants should be supported

• The UGC said that all colleges should have a mechanism to hear the grievances of students
• The head of the institution should keep the details of the complainants confidential. Complainants should be counselled.
• CCTV cameras should be installed on the campus. There should be monitoring by involving wardens and mentors.