What is Ragging?

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Ragging is¹ any physical, verbal or mental abuse committed by one student against another student belonging to an educational institute. The seniority of the student who rags or is ragged does not matter.

Ragging is a crime and it can happen for any reason. Ragging has been known to happen on the basis of appearance or colour of the skin, race, religion, caste, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, nationality, regional origins, spoken language, place of birth, place of residence or economic background. It can take many different forms. For example, bullying a student into doing assignments or excluding a student from campus activities. The law punishes different forms of ragging against students including psychological harm, physical abuse, etc. Read more here.

Section 2, the Curbing the menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions (third amendment), Regulations, 2016.[↩]

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Acts considered as Ragging

Many actions taken by students are considered to be ragging under the law. Some of the acts are mentioned herein.

Duties of Institutions to Prevent Ragging

It is the duty of the college to prevent ragging. All colleges/universities must take all measures to eliminate ragging, both within and outside the campus.

Anti-Ragging Authorities

Under the Indian law, to prevent ragging, every college and university must constitute the following authorities as mentioned herein.

Punishment for Ragging

If any student is caught ragging another student, he or she can be punished. Additionally, the punishment can be in the form of administrative punishment or police complaint.

Complaining Against Ragging

For ragging, you can complain to the college authorities, the national helpline or the police. Please note that another person can also complain on your behalf.

Appeal against Ragging Complaints

Sometimes, it is possible that in the case of a ragging complaint, a student feels aggrieved or upset by the decision given by the Anti-Ragging Committee. In such a case, you can appeal against the decision given.