Delhi University Tightens Anti-Ragging Rules for Freshers and Parents Ahead of New Session
As a new academic session kicks off, Delhi University has rolled out a comprehensive set of anti-ragging measures to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for incoming students. These new guidelines, which stress strict compliance and collaboration with Delhi Police, aim to enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards ragging and harassment on campus.
The University’s Proctorial Board met earlier this week to review campus safety and disciplinary protocols, particularly for first-year students. With a focus on secure integration and student well-being, a range of precautionary actions and regulatory frameworks have been introduced.
Mandatory Undertakings from Students and Parents
A major highlight of the new rules is the requirement that all newly admitted students and their parents or guardians must submit a formal anti-ragging undertaking. This declaration must be submitted online through the national portal www.antiragging.in, as directed by the Supreme Court of India. The undertaking ensures accountability from both students and their families, reinforcing the seriousness of the university’s approach portraying their strong belief for anti-ragging.
On-Campus Control Rooms and Support Systems
To address any immediate student concerns, joint control rooms will be operational from August 1 to 8. Located at North Campus (Tel: 27667221) and South Campus (Tel: 24119832), these control rooms will act as first responders to any reports of ragging or harassment during the induction period.
Anti-Ragging Week and Awareness Campaigns
Following the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Anti-Ragging Day will be observed on August 12, followed by a week-long awareness campaign until August 18. Throughout this period, posters and notices in both English and Hindi will be prominently displayed at strategic points across all DU campuses to reinforce awareness and encourage safe reporting.
Campus Monitoring and Police Collaboration
To further tighten security:
- Entry of outsiders into colleges and hostels will be restricted.
- Each institution must constitute Anti-Ragging Committees and Vigilance Squads, often including NCC and NSS student volunteers to monitor and report incidents.
- Police pickets will be stationed outside all colleges, with extra attention given to women’s colleges.
- Plainclothes women officers from Delhi Police will be deployed in and around campuses to deter any attempts at ragging or eve-teasing.
- Regular police patrolling will take place across North and South campuses to maintain order.
Safety in Off-Campus Housing
Recognising that many students live in private hostels or PGs, the university has advised students to choose accommodations that are police-verified. This move aims to extend student safety beyond the university premises and into the wider community at the same reliving parents off the stress that there children are living in a safe space.
Robust Reporting Mechanisms
For students who face or witness ragging, multiple channels for reporting have been made available. Along with on-campus committees, the Delhi Police is streamlining online reporting systems, including referrals to cybercrime units in relevant cases.
Additionally, under the UGC’s 2009 Anti-Ragging Regulations:
- Institutional heads must submit weekly compliance reports for the first three months of the academic year.
- Monthly reports must follow thereafter, to be submitted to the University Proctor at proctor@du.ac.in.
Strict Disciplinary Action Against Offenders
Delhi University has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance, warning that any confirmed case of ragging could lead to severe consequences. Penalties may include:
- Suspension or expulsion
- Cancellation of admission or degree
- Withholding of academic results
- Bans from attending classes or exams
These actions underscore the university’s firm commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and disciplined learning environment for all.
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