Syllabus: Education
Source: Indian Express
Context
The University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman has highlighted that poor enforcement of anti-ragging regulations allows perpetrators to escape accountability. Reports indicate a 208% increase in ragging complaints from 2012 to 2022, revealing persistent regulatory gaps that need immediate attention.
What is Ragging?
Definition & Features
Ragging refers to any act of physical, mental, or psychological abuse inflicted by senior students on juniors in educational institutions. It is often disguised as an “initiation ritual” aimed at asserting dominance, instilling fear, or humiliating victims.
Types of Ragging
- Verbal Ragging: Includes abuse, threats, or offensive remarks.
- Physical Ragging: Encompasses physical assaults, forced tasks, or violent actions.
- Psychological Ragging: Includes social isolation, emotional humiliation, and harassment.
- Cyber Ragging: Involves online harassment, bullying, or social media attacks.
Legal Recognition
Ragging is recognized under the UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging, 2009. Offenses are punishable under:
- Section 323 IPC: Voluntarily causing hurt.
- Section 506 IPC: Criminal intimidation.
- Section 509 IPC: Word or gesture intended to insult modesty.
- IT Act, 2000: For cyberbullying-related offenses.
Consequences of Ragging
Impact on Victims
- Psychological Trauma: Victims often experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies.
- Academic Decline: Fear of harassment causes absenteeism, loss of focus, and declining grades.
- Health Issues: Prolonged stress can lead to insomnia, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Consequences for Perpetrators
- Legal Penalties: Ragging is punishable under IPC sections, leading to imprisonment or fines.
- Academic Actions: Offenders may face suspension, expulsion, or blacklisting from institutions.
- Criminal Record: A criminal record can hinder future job opportunities and educational prospects.
Institutional Impacts
- Reputational Damage: Recurring ragging incidents harm an institution’s image and rankings.
- UGC Action: Institutions failing to prevent ragging risk funding cuts and de-recognition under UGC Clause 9.4.
Impact on Parents & Society
- Emotional Distress: Families suffer mental anguish and financial burdens from legal battles and medical expenses.
- Erosion of Trust: Society’s faith in educational institutions as safe learning spaces diminishes.
Challenges in Countering Ragging
1. Weak Implementation of Laws
- Clause 9.4 of UGC Regulations provides for action against non-compliant institutions, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
- Many institutions fail to display anti-ragging helpline details, limiting awareness among students.
2. Lack of Awareness & Fear of Reporting
- Victims often fear retaliation or dismissal of their complaints.
- Institutional inaction leads students to accept ragging as a “tradition.”
3. Inadequate Monitoring Systems
- Weak CCTV surveillance in hostels and campuses hampers evidence collection.
- Digital complaint tracking systems are either underdeveloped or ineffective.
4. Peer Pressure & Cultural Normalization
- Ragging is culturally normalized in many institutions, especially by senior students.
- Political or administrative influence often prevents strict action against perpetrators.
Way Forward: Solutions to Curb Ragging
1. Strengthening Legal & Institutional Framework
- Clause 9.4 should be enforced strictly against institutions that fail to comply with anti-ragging measures.
- Police verification and fast-track trials must be conducted to ensure swift punishment.
2. Technology-Driven Monitoring
- Install AI-based facial recognition CCTVs to enhance hostel and campus surveillance.
- Implement digital ID-based tracking systems to ensure the safety of victims and monitor ragging-prone areas.
3. Awareness & Behavioral Change
- Conduct mandatory anti-ragging workshops and psychological counseling sessions for all students.
- Introduce student mentorship programs to promote inclusivity and empathy among seniors and juniors.
4. Enhancing Reporting Mechanisms
- The UGC helpline should be made more accessible with improved response times.
- Set up anonymous complaint portals linked to direct police alerts to encourage victims to report incidents without fear.
Conclusion
Despite the existence of strong laws and Supreme Court guidelines, ragging remains a major issue in India’s educational institutions. A multi-faceted approach involving strict legal action, institutional reforms, advanced technology, and cultural transformation is essential to eliminate this menace. Strict enforcement and student-driven initiatives can create a safe, ragging-free learning environment.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) for UPSC CSE
Which of the following laws penalizes ragging-related offenses under Indian law?
a) Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 323, 506, 509
b) Juvenile Justice Act
c) IT Act, 2000
d) Both a) and c)Answer: d) Both a) and c)
Which regulatory body oversees the prevention of ragging in Indian educational institutions?
a) CBSE
b) University Grants Commission (UGC)
c) NCERT
d) Ministry of Home AffairsAnswer: b) University Grants Commission (UGC)
What is the primary purpose of UGC’s Clause 9.4 in anti-ragging regulations?
a) To provide financial assistance to victims
b) To de-recognize institutions failing to prevent ragging
c) To monitor attendance records
d) To ban all forms of student interactionAnswer: b) To de-recognize institutions failing to prevent ragging
Which of the following is a form of cyber ragging?
a) Verbal abuse
b) Physical assault
c) Social media harassment
d) IsolationAnswer: c) Social media harassment
What is a recommended measure to improve anti-ragging complaint reporting?
a) Making complaints public
b) Anonymous complaint portals
c) Reducing CCTV surveillance
d) Eliminating mentorship programsAnswer: b) Anonymous complaint portals
Mains Questions for UPSC CSE
How do institutional and cultural factors contribute to the persistence of ragging in India’s educational system? Suggest measures to effectively curb this menace.
Discuss the role of technology in monitoring and preventing ragging incidents in educational institutions. How can its implementation be improved?
Examine the psychological and social impact of ragging on victims and perpetrators. How can awareness programs help foster behavioral change in educational institutions?
No comments:
Post a Comment