MENACE OF RAGGING

24 Aug 2023 MENACE OF RAGGING

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “MENACE OF RAGGING”. The topic “MENACE OF RAGGING” has relevance in the Governance section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

About Ragging?

For Mains:

GS 2: Governance

Raghavan Committee and UGC Guidelines?

Legal Consequences of Ragging?

Way Forward?

Why in the news:

The recurring problem of ragging, a consistently troublesome phenomenon in Indian educational institutions, has once more garnered widespread national focus following a recent occurrence at Jadavpur University.

Defining Ragging: Supreme Court’s Perspective:

• In a 2001 case (Vishwa Jagriti Mission), the Supreme Court provided a clear definition of ragging, which includes any unruly behavior that involves teasing, treating, or handling fellow students with rudeness. It also covers actions causing annoyance, psychological harm, or fear among junior students.
• The court pointed out that ragging often happens because seniors seek sadistic pleasure, demonstrate their power, or assert authority over new students.

Key Guidelines Issued by the Supreme Court:

• The Supreme Court’s guidelines stress the importance of establishing proctoral committees within educational institutions. These committees play a crucial role in preventing and addressing ragging incidents.
• The guidelines also emphasize that if ragging incidents become severe and unmanageable or they qualify as cognizable offenses, they can be reported to the police for legal action.

Raghavan Committee and UGC Guidelines:

In the effort to address the serious issue of ragging in educational institutions, the Raghavan Committee and the subsequent guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) have played a crucial role. 

Formation of the Raghavan Committee:

• Background: In response to the persisting problem of ragging, the Supreme Court of India appointed a committee in 2009, led by RK Raghavan, a former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Comprehensive Review: The Raghavan Committee was entrusted with the task of conducting a comprehensive review of the existing anti-ragging measures and formulating more effective strategies to prevent and combat ragging incidents.

UGC Guidelines:

• Adoption of Recommendations: The recommendations made by the Raghavan Committee were subsequently adopted and adapted by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which is the apex regulatory body for higher education in India.
• “Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging”: In 2009, the UGC issued a comprehensive set of guidelines titled “Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions.” These guidelines were aimed at providing a standardized framework for all universities and institutions to tackle the problem of ragging.

Key Aspects of UGC Guidelines:

• Definition and Types: The guidelines clearly defined various forms of ragging, including psychological harm, physical harm, financial extortion, and more. This comprehensive definition helped institutions recognize and address different manifestations of ragging.
• Public Declaration: The UGC mandated that each educational institution publicly declare its commitment to curbing ragging. This declaration signified a zero-tolerance approach and set the tone for anti-ragging efforts.
• Undertakings: Students and parents were required to sign undertakings that they would not engage in or support any form of ragging. This created a sense of responsibility and accountability among students and their guardians.
• Establishment of Committees: Universities were instructed to establish committees dedicated to preventing and addressing ragging incidents. These committees typically consisted of faculty members, senior students, course-in-charges, and student advisors.
• Monitoring and Regulation: The committees were tasked with monitoring interactions between senior and junior students to ensure a healthy and respectful environment. They were responsible for creating awareness, conducting orientation programs, and promptly addressing reported incidents.
• Legal Action: The guidelines highlighted the possibility of reporting severe ragging incidents to law enforcement authorities if they escalated to a level of cognizable offenses.
• Gender and Sexual Orientation: The UGC recognized that ragging could also be directed towards individuals based on their gender identity and sexual orientation. These grounds were included in the guidelines, emphasizing an inclusive approach.

Legal Consequences of Ragging:

• While ragging itself is not a distinct offense, it can lead to legal consequences under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
• For instance, actions like wrongful restraint, defined in Section 339 of the IPC, can result in imprisonment for up to one month or a fine of up to five hundred rupees, or both.
• Wrongful confinement, covered under Section 340 of the IPC, can lead to imprisonment for up to a year or a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.

Related State-Level Legislation:

• Various states in India have introduced specific laws to combat ragging within their jurisdictions. Examples include the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, Andhra Pradesh Prohibition of Ragging Act, Assam Prohibition of Ragging Act, and Maharashtra Prohibition of Ragging Act.

Way Forward:

• Strengthening Anti-Ragging Measures: To enhance efforts against ragging, collaborative audits involving experts, students, and faculty members should be conducted. These audits can identify weaknesses, areas for improvement, and successful strategies, leading to proactive prevention measures.
• Strengthen Reporting Mechanisms: Develop user-friendly reporting platforms, including mobile apps, where students can report ragging incidents anonymously. Ensure that the reporting process is well-publicized and easily accessible.
• Gender and LGBTQ+ Sensitivity: Recognize and address ragging incidents related to gender identity and sexual orientation. Create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and ensure their inclusion in anti-ragging efforts.
• Community Engagement Events: Organizing regular community events involving volunteer work, community service, and social outreach can instill a sense of responsibility and unity among students. This approach can reduce the inclination towards engaging in ragging behavior.

SOURCE:https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/jadavpur-university-law-ragging-8900245/

Q.1 Which committee was appointed by the Supreme Court of India to comprehensively review and address the issue of ragging in educational institutions ?

1. A) Kasturirangan Committee
2. B) Swaminathan Committee
3. C) Raghavan Committee
4. D) Narasimham Committee

ANSWER: C

Q.2 Ragging remains a persistent concern in educational institutions, affecting students’ physical and mental well-being. Analyze the role of legal frameworks, such as Supreme Court directives and University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, in curbing ragging.

rishabh