For a safer campus

Candice Rozario

In a fresh attempt to curb ragging, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued additional anti-ragging guidelines for higher education institutions.

These include identification of trouble triggers and surprise checks at hostels, student accommodation, canteens, recreational rooms, toilets and bus stops.

Introduction of quick response systems, CCTV cameras, alarm bells and regular counselling have also been recommended. The UGC has also made it compulsory for every student and parent to submit an online undertaking every academic year. College students react.

Shivani Dahiya, NIFT, Bangalore

Constant checks at the hostel and CCTVs are more an invasion of privacy than an effective measure against ragging. With what I have experienced, students are ragged despite heavy surveillance because it doesn't take place in the college premises. The rules don't promise complete eradication, but definitely provide some relief. The helpline, in my opinion, is one of the best things that could happen to the students. It has helped a lot of my classmates.

Candice Rozario, M.O.P Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai

I’m totally against ragging but I don’t like the idea of CCTV cameras on the campus. I think that ragging is a deep rooted problem and the home environment plays an important part in the attitude of the student. I think the measures should start from home as this will have a more positive impact.

Aathira Konnikara, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai

UGC’s move to introduce more stringent measures is welcome but it shouldn’t infringe on students' privacy, especially the installation of CCTV cameras. As for the measure of extracting an online undertaking from parents and their wards, I am not convinced that such a signed pledge will work among people without a social conscience.

Devbrat Mandal, International Institute of Informational Technology, Bhubaneswar

I think it is a good initiative and, if implemented properly, will help identify those who cause trouble. This will remove the blame from the complete senior group and put only the responsible person under the scanner, thereby bringing down tension among the students.

Also, counselling will surely help the culprits as well as the victims.