UGC Issues Showcause Notices To 18 Medical Colleges For Failing To Comply With Anti-ragging Norms – News18

Last Updated:February 06, 2025, 16:13 IST

The colleges that failed to comply with the rules have been asked to submit a written explanation stating the reason within seven days and the steps they intend to take to rectify this situation

As many as 18 medical colleges have received showcause notices from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for non-compliance with anti-ragging regulations, officials said on Thursday. These include two colleges each in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry; three each in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar; and one each in Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

“It was found that these colleges had not complied with the mandatory requirements set forth in the Anti-Ragging Regulations, 2009, for curbing the menace of ragging. Specifically, it has come to our notice that the institutions failed to obtain the anti-ragging undertakings from students as required by the said regulations,” University Grants Commission (UGC) Secretary Manish Joshi told news agency PTI.

On January 28, the UGC issued a circular instructing higher educational institutions (HEIs) to implement strict anti-ragging measures on campus. The circular also warned that violation of any rules will be taken seriously. If an institution fails to take proper steps to stop ragging, enforce the rules, or punish those involved, it will face action from the UGC.

The UGC has instructed institutions to form Anti-Ragging Committees and Squads, set up dedicated Anti-Ragging Cells, and install CCTV cameras at key locations on campus. Institutions are also required to organise workshops and seminars on the topic and display prominent anti-ragging posters in areas such as libraries, canteens, hostels, and admission centres. The regulations can be accessed on the UGC websites ugc.gov.in and antiragging.in.

The Anti-Ragging Regulations, 2009 also mandates every student and parent to submit an anti-ragging undertaking at the time of admission and the beginning of every academic year. “This undertaking is a crucial measure to prevent and deter any incidents of ragging within educational institutions. The failure to secure these undertakings not only constitutes non-compliance with the regulations but also puts the well-being and safety of the students at risk,” Joshi added.

Colleges that failed to comply with the rules have been asked to submit a written explanation stating the reason within seven days and the steps they intend to take to rectify this situation. “Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated time frame will compel us to proceed with further necessary actions as per the provisions of the Anti-Ragging Regulations, 2009, including but not limited to the imposition of penalties and other corrective measures,” Joshi stated.