[DNA] Govt for ‘zero tolerance’ approach to ragging

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Vineeta Pandey
Thursday, June 12, 2008 03:04 IST

With the new academic session all set to begin, the human resource development ministry (MHRD) wants all institutions to become zero tolerance campuses in respect of ragging.

Following a meeting with the RK Raghavan Committee on ragging, the MHRD has asked all regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Medical Council of India (MCI), Dental Council of India (DCI) and Nursing Council of India (NCI) to prepare specific and strict regulations to enforce anti-ragging measures in institutions under them.

The committee, appointed by the supreme court, took stock of the situation and reviewed the progress made by different regulatory bodies and other stakeholders who have been directed by the apex court to implement the recommendations of the committee on anti-ragging measures.

The ragging monitoring committee has suggested the government link the release of grants to institutions with the compliance of anti-ragging rules. Accordingly, institutes where cases of ragging are reported would face the threat of losing recognition and disaffiliation. On the other hand, institutes ensuring that ragging does not takes place in their campuses in any form may get incentives by way of higher grants. The committee also asked statutory regulatory bodies to direct educational institutions to incorporate in admission notices appropriate messages regarding ‘zero tolerance’ towards ragging. Wherever any incident of ragging is reported and institutions do not take adequate steps for redressing the grievance, regulatory bodies must conduct enquiries through fact-finding committees.

p_vineeta@dnaindia.net