Stop Ragging in Colleges – Know Your Rights & Laws
Let’s Talk About Ragging
Every year around August or September, when colleges reopen across India, something ugly creeps back in—ragging. Most folks brush it off as just some harmless fun between seniors and juniors. But here’s the thing: it’s not. It’s bullying, plain and simple. We’re talking verbal abuse, psychological games, even physical stuff sometimes. And even though there are laws against it, a lot of students stay quiet because they’re scared or don’t know better. That’s why understanding your rights matters. Seriously.
1. What Exactly is Ragging?
Okay, so ragging is basically seniors harassing juniors under the excuse of “initiation.” It could be making them do embarrassing stuff, calling them names, or worse—physical stuff. And yeah, it’s banned, but it still happens because, let’s be honest, some college cultures are pretty toxic. The whole “it builds friendship” argument? Total nonsense. The truth is, it messes people up—anxiety, depression, even dropping out of college. Not cool.
2. The Law’s Got Your Back
2.1 UGC Rules – No Mercy
The University Grants Commission (UGC) doesn’t play around with this. Their rules say zero tolerance for ragging. Every college has to have an Anti-Ragging Committee, and they’re supposed to put up helpline numbers where everyone can see them. If they don’t, that’s a problem.
2.2 IPC Can Slam the Hammer
Here’s the deal—ragging isn’t just against college rules; it’s against the law. Sections 294 (obscene stuff), 323 (hurting someone), and 506 (threatening) of the Indian Penal Code can land people in real trouble. We’re talking fines, jail time, or getting kicked out of college.
2.3 Supreme Court Means Business
Remember the 2009 University of Kerala v. Council of Principals case? The Supreme Court basically said colleges HAVE to stop ragging, report it when it happens, and punish those responsible. If they don’t? Bye-bye, recognition.
3. How to Report Ragging (Because Silence Isn’t Golden)
3.1 First Things First
- Keep proof—screenshots of nasty messages, videos, names of people who saw what happened.
- Go straight to your college’s Anti-Ragging Committee. They can’t ignore you—it’s literally their job to handle this.
3.2 Where Else Can You Go?
- UGC Helpline: 1800-180-5522 (Yes, save this number right now)
- National Anti-Ragging Portal: www.antiragging.in
- If your college does nothing? Walk into a police station and file an FIR. Don’t hesitate.
4. How Not to Become a Target
4.1 Before You Even Step Foot on Campus
Do some digging—check out the college’s rep when it comes to ragging. Hit up alumni groups online and ask straight up: “How bad is it here?”
4.2 Once You’re In
Stick with your batchmates, especially in the beginning. There’s safety in numbers, and seniors are less likely to mess with a group.
4.3 What Colleges Should Be Doing
Colleges need to step up too—orientation sessions about anti-ragging laws, keeping an eye on how seniors and juniors interact. Basic stuff, really.
5. Myths Busted
- Myth: “It’s just bonding.” → Reality: Tell that to the kids with PTSD.
- Myth: “Only physical stuff counts.” → Reality: Even name-calling breaks UGC rules.
6. Real Stories, Real Damage
In 2022, a med student in Kerala tried to end their life after being ragged. The seniors involved? Expelled and arrested. That’s how serious this gets. The scars don’t just fade away.
7. Help Exists – Use It
Organizations like SAVE (Students Against Violence and Exploitation) offer free counseling. State human rights commissions can help with legal stuff too. You’re not alone in this.
Final Word
Let’s call ragging what it is—a crime, not some sacred tradition. The laws are there, the support systems exist. No one should have to suffer through this nonsense. Share this info, speak up if you see it happening, and remember: your voice can literally save someone’s life.
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation
