THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health and Kerala universities have said that if they are found guilty in the ragging case, the students will be dismissed from the college and will not be admitted anywhere for three years.

Students will be suspended as soon as information about ragging is received. The VC of both the varsities, Dr Mohanan Kunnummal, told 'Kerala Kaumudi' that the colleges have been directed to hand over the complaints to the police immediately and register a criminal case within 24 hours.

Anti-ragging committee and squad will be formed in all colleges. The committee shall meet once a month to consider the grievances of the students.

The action is based on the report published yesterday by Kerala Kaumudi.

Strict guidelines from UGC

All colleges should have a mechanism to hear student grievances. The head of the institution should keep the information of the complainants confidential. Support and counselling should be provided to complainants. CCTV cameras should be installed everywhere on the campuses. Conduct periodic surveys among students and staff to know the situation. student's participation in extracurricular activities should be increased.

2 years in jail even if the complaint is dismissed

• If the complaint is ignored, the same punishment given to the accused will be given to the college authorities
• Charge of incitement against the head of the institution who did not take action
• The punishment is 2 years imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 rupees

Ragging is not just physical attack

Any act that causes physical or mental harm to a student is ragging. Ragging is conduct that causes fear, worry, embarrassment, and panic, as well as teasing, insulting, and hurtful behaviour.

Anti-Ragging Committee

Principal (Chairman), Professor (Convener) Assistant Professor (Member Secretary). Members - 5 Teachers, Police CI, Journalist,

NGO Representative, Collector's Representative, PTA President, Hostel Warder, College Union President

"Classes will be conducted with the participation of judges and police officers to educate students and parents that ragging is a non-bailable offence."

-Dr Mohanan Kunnummal

Kerala, Health V.C