Ragging, the physical and psychological abuse of newcomers by seniors, will be dealt with in a systematic manner in all colleges under Mumbai University. The university has finally set up a monitoring cell on ragging, which will coordinate with the affiliated colleges to implement anti-ragging measures.
The cell will call for reports from the head of the institution regarding the activities of the anti-ragging squad, says a recently issued university circular. “The circular instructs colleges to submit reports of the work done by the squad and mentoring cells to keep a check on ragging,” said a university official.
The cell has been set up under the chairmanship of the director of the Board of College and University Development (BCUD), Mumbai University. The creation of the cell follows the directives of the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2009.
As per UGC guidelines, the monitoring cell is expected to review efforts taken by colleges to publicise anti-ragging measures and soliciting affidavits from parents/guardians and students each academic year, to abstain from ragging activities or “willingness to be penalised for violations”.
Under the UGC regulations, the university’s vice-chancellor has to submit fortnightly reports of the university, including those of the monitoring cell, to a state-level monitoring committee.
“A monitoring cell is definitely a necessity. It will help keep a check on the efforts taken by colleges. However, the cell also needs to be pro-active and there should be periodic reviews,” said Rupa Shah, academician and former vice chancellor of SNDT University.
The varsity’s move has been lauded by principals of several colleges. “As far as our college is concerned, we already have in place an anti-ragging squad and a committee. If the university wants us to send a report on the work undertaken by them, we will do so,” said Suhas Pednekar, principal, Ruia College.
“We’ve had an anti-ragging squad in place since five or six years, way before the UGC came out with its guidelines last year. It’s very active in our college. A monitoring team is always welcome,” said Indu Shahani, principal, HR College.
Rudreshwar Malkani, member of the student council and anti-ragging squad at HR College, said that a monitoring cell at the university-level would be helpful in encouraging activities at colleges.
“Our members patrol around the college, up to Churchgate station and Marine Drive, particularly in the first few weeks of a new academic year. We’ve been very successful in our efforts and have had no instances of ragging. The squad at HR has created an anti-ragging culture at the college. The university cell can help boost this culture in other colleges too,” said Malkani.
Comments