Introduction
Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy is committed to providing a safe and conducive environment for all its students. Ragging in any form is strictly prohibited within the college premises, including hostels, and during college-sponsored events. This Anti-ragging Policy aims to eliminate ragging and ensure the physical and psychological well-being of all students.
Meaning-making
Ragging is any act, whether physical, verbal, or psychological, that has the effect of causing discomfort, fear, or apprehension; adversely affecting the health, safety, dignity, or well-being of a student; or compromising the status of a student in any way. Ragging offenses include but are not limited to:
- Physical abuse or assault, such as hitting, kicking, or any actions that may cause physical injuries.
- Verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, or humiliation.
- Forced activities that cause pain, discomfort, or embarrassment.
- Any form of bullying or harassment.
- Sexual harassment or any unwelcome sexual behaviour.
- Any act that disrupts the academic activity or mental peace of a student.
- Criminal conspiracy to rag.
- Unlawful assembly and rioting while ragging.
- Offences against property.
- Criminal tresspass.
- Extortion
Prohibited Activities
All forms of ragging, as defined above, are strictly prohibited within the college premises including college hostels and at any college-related event, whether on-campus or off-campus. This prohibition extends to both senior/ junior students and peer students.
Responsibilities
- The college administration is responsible for ensuring the implementation of this policy and taking prompt action against any reported incidents of ragging.
- Faculty members and staff are responsible for monitoring students and reporting any suspected incidents of ragging to the authorities concerned.
- All students are responsible for refraining from participating in or promoting any form of ragging. They are encouraged to report incidents of ragging promptly and cooperate with college authorities during investigations.
Measures to Prevent Ragging
- The College is committed to follow the Anti-Ragging Guidelines issued by the UGC and the Government from time to time.
- A student seeking admission in the institution, the hostel shall have to submit additional undertaking in the format provided (Annexure 1) along with the admission application.
- The advertisements / brochures for admissions, the prospectus and any other admission related documents shall clearly mention that ragging is totally banned in the institution.
- New entrants will undergo orientation programmes that include information about the college’s policies and the consequences of ragging.
- Regular awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars will be conducted to educate students about the negative effects of ragging and the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive campus environment.
- The college will maintain a system of monitoring and surveillance to detect and prevent incidents of ragging.
Consequences of Ragging
- Any student found engaging in ragging will face immediate disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate penalties (as per the UGC Regulations, 2009, Clause 8).
- Ragging is a criminal offense under Indian law (as per the UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009). Offenders may face legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Reporting Mechanism
Contact number of the antiragging cell coordinators and the UGC help line shall be displayed in the institution campus. Students who experience or witness ragging is encouraged to report it immediately to the Anti-ragging Committee or Squad. The Anti-ragging Committee or Squad comprises:
- Anti- Ragging Cell
- College authorities (Principal, Dean, or Head of Departments).
- Local law enforcement authorities, if necessary.
Confidentiality will be maintained, and strict action will be taken against anyone found to be retaliating against a student who reports ragging.
Support for Victims
The college will provide support and counselling services to victims of ragging to help them cope with any physical or psychological trauma. Efforts will be made to ensure the safety and well-being of the victim during and after the investigation process.
Compliance and Review
- This Anti-ragging Policy will be reviewed periodically to assess its effectiveness and relevance. Amendments may be made as necessary to strengthen measures against ragging and ensure a safe environment for all students.
- An investigation bench including the head of the institution will review the complaint and shall take appropriate actions considering the gravity of the case with as per the guidelines issued by UGC regulation 2009 (Clause 8)and the Government body.
Conclusion
In effect, this Anti-ragging Policy outlines the stringent measures and proactive steps taken by Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy to prevent and eliminate ragging, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards ragging.
The Anti-Ragging Policy of the college may change according to the future directions of UGC/ Government/ DCE from time to time.
