Ragging in India Essay

Ragging in India is a damaging form of interaction of the seniors in college or school with the juniors, newcomers or first years. It is similar to but not same as hazing in the United States, it is not an initiation. It involves insults (simple or suggestive sexual, sarcastic and even physical), running errands for seniors, and many other complex activities. Highly reputed Indian colleges have a wistful history of ragging especially Medical colleges. It has become increasingly unpopular due to several complaints of serious injury to the victims and strict laws regarding ragging. Ragging is now defined as an act that violates or is perceived to violate an individual student’s dignity. It often takes a malignant form wherein the newcomers may be subjected to psychological or physical torture. Prohibition Of Ragging As per Ordinance XV-C of the University of Delhi ragging in any form is strictly prohibited, within the premises of College/Department/Institution and any part of Delhi University system as well as on public transport and elsewhere Any individual or collective act or practice of ragging constitutes gross indiscipline and shall be dealt with under this Ordinance Ragging for the purposes of this Ordinance, ordinarily means any act, conduct or practice by which dominant power or status of senior student is brought to bear on students freshly enrolled or students who are in any way considered junior or inferior by other students and includes individual or collective acts or practices which involve physical assault or threat to use of physical force violate the status, dignity and honour of women student; violate the status, dignity and honour of students belonging to scheduled castes and tribes; expose students to ridicule and contempt and affect their self esteem entail verbal abuse and aggresssion, indecent gestures and obscene behaviour The incidents of ragging in educational institutions is becoming a National issue. I wish that all the senior students of SSITS will receive the suggestions expressed here positively and act as desired so that we can continue to maintain â€Å"RAGGING – FREE INSTITUTION† status for ever. Remember the fact: Awareness on ragging leads to eradication of ragging. The following may happen to the victim of ragging: 1. The ragging may leave permanent scar in the victim’s mind that may haunt him/her for years to come. 2. The ragging demoralizes the victim who enters the college life with many hopes and expectations. 3. It causes grave psychological stress and trauma to the victim. 4. Those who succumb to ragging may drop out, thereby hampering their career prospects. 5. In extreme cases, if the victim is too sensitive, he/she may resort to suicide, or culpable homicide. Ragging has become a menace, cause of fear and shock, not only for a fresher but to his/her parents too who are sending their loved ones for pursuing higher studies by investing a lot of hard earned money Ragging in any form inside or outside the college campus is banned/prohibited vide Prohibition of Ragging in Educational Institutions Act passed by the Parliament. Ragging means doing an act that causes or is likely to cause insult or annoyance or fear or apprehension, threat or intimidation or outrage of modesty or injury to a student. Those who indulge in this uncivilized activity are liable for severe disciplinary actions besides being liable for prosecution. Nature of Ragging Punishment Teasing, Embarrasing and Humilating Imprisonment upto 6 months or fine upto Rs.1000/- or both Wrongfully restraining or confining or causing hurt Imprisonment upto 2 years or fine upto Rs.5000/- or both Causing death or abating suicide Imprisonment upto 10 years or fine upto Rs.50,000/- or both Student convicted of any above offences, will be dismissed from the college.