Delhi University announces new anti-ragging measures

Ahead of the new academic year, Delhi University (DU) has implemented stringent anti-ragging measures to ensure campus safety. Effective immediately, the penalties for ragging include suspension, expulsion, cancellation of degrees and prohibition from attending classes and exams.

Delhi University held a Proctorial Board meeting on Thursday to discuss stringent measures aimed at preventing ragging, which will be enforced starting this session.

In the two-page notification issued by DU on Friday, 11 anti-ragging initiatives, a complaint mechanism and associated penalties were detailed. It said that all students and hostel residents, along with their parents or guardians, must sign an anti-ragging undertaking during admission.

The university will also observe Anti-Ragging Day on 12 August, followed by Anti-Ragging Week from 12 to 18 August.

These events, in accordance with UGC guidelines, aim to raise awareness about the hazards and repercussions of ragging and to promote a supportive environment for all students. To address any incidents of ragging promptly, DU will set up two joint control rooms on the North and South campuses, as per the notification.

Students can report instances of ragging through several channels, including the UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline (1800-180-5522), the anti-ragging web portal, and local police contacts, the notification said.

The notification also said that anti-ragging posters in both English and Hindi have been strategically placed across the North and South Campuses to reinforce the university’s zero-tolerance policy towards ragging.

Colleges and hostels have been instructed to restrict outsider access and prominently display anti-ragging regulations. Each college, faculty, department, and hostel is required to establish Anti-Ragging/Disciplinary Committees and Vigilance Squads, utilising NCC/NSS student volunteers to monitor and report suspicious activities.

Additionally, police pickets will be stationed outside every college, with special provisions for women’s colleges. Plainclothes female officers will patrol the university grounds to address issues of ragging and eve-teasing, as specified in the notification.