The higher education department is putting in place special measures to curb ragging in universities and professional colleges ahead of the new academic session (2012-13). This is following the directions of the Governor and chancellor of universities E.S.L. Narasimhan who has asked vice-chancellors to ensure ‘zero ragging academic year’.
Admissions to engineering, MBBS, BDS, pharmacy, MBA and MCA courses will begin shortly. Far too many ragging incidents are reported in professional colleges eve-ry year. From this year, parents/guardians of students will have to sign an elaborate anti-ragging affidavit stating they are aware of the anti-ragging regulation and of the penal and administrative action their wards could face if found guilty of ragging or abetting it. Students have been signing anti-ragging affidavits since 2007, but this is the first time parents/guardians are also required to give such an undertaking.
JNTU-Hyderabad, which has hundreds of professional colleges in its jurisdiction, is focusing intensely on curbing ragging on campuses. “Hostels and canteens in universities and colleges are the most vulnerable points for ragging incidents. We have issued directions to the managements and principals of colleges to conduct surprise checks regularly,” said Dr N.V. Ramana Rao, JNTU-H registrar.