New Delhi: Some of the top institutions in the country have been hauled up by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for flouting anti-ragging rules. In what is being seen as a major step towards protecting students, UGC has not only listed 89 colleges and universities across the country for not following anti-ragging rules, it has also sought replies within 30 days.
The list includes four IITs, three IIMs, and other leading institutes.
The IITs flagged for non-compliance are IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Hyderabad, and IIT Palakkad. The IIMs in the list include IIM Bombay, IIM Rohtak, and IIM Tiruchirappalli. Others on the list include AIIMS Raebareli and the National Institute of Design (NID) campuses in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana.
According to officials, the UGC issued show-cause notices to these institutions for not submitting the required anti-ragging undertakings from both students and the institutions themselves, despite repeated advisories, follow-up calls from the Anti-Ragging Helpline, and interventions by the Anti-Ragging Monitoring Agency.
“Despite multiple reminders, these institutions have not submitted compliance documents mandated under the UGC’s Anti-Ragging Regulations, 2009,” UGC secretary Manish Joshi has said.
“This is a serious concern, especially considering the rising instances of ragging-related distress and growing safety concerns within campuses,” he added.
UGC has warned that failure to comply with these regulations could result in severe penalties. The UGC has warned that it may withdraw grants, suspend research funding, or even cancel the affiliation of non-compliant institutions if they do not respond within 30 days.
Other notable institutions on the defaulters’ list include Aligarh Muslim University, Nalanda University, NIPER Hyderabad, IGNOU, and the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata.
As per the UGC guidelines, it is compulsory for every student, along with their parents or guardians, to submit an anti-ragging affidavit at the time of admission and at the beginning of every academic year. Institutions are also required to file compliance reports to ensure accountability and safeguard student welfare.
