Report on Anti-Ragging Awerness Programme on 13th Sep, 2024
Introduction
• Purpose of the Report: Anti-Ragging Awareness Program is to educate students about the harmful effects of ragging, promote a safe and respectful environment, and empower them to take a stand against bullying and harassment. It aims to foster a culture of dignity, inclusion, and mutual respect, conducted by NSS cell at Rai University during the academic year 2024-25.
• Target Audience: Students, faculty, administrative staff, and stakeholders of Rai University.
Objectives
The primary objective of an Anti-Ragging Awareness Program is to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment in educational institutions, where every student can thrive without fear or harassment. Ragging, a form of abuse and bullying, often results in severe physical, emotional, and psychological harm to students, especially newcomers. The program aims to spread awareness about the negative impacts of ragging and educate students, faculty, and staff on their roles in preventing it.
Through seminars, workshops, and campaigns, the program seeks to inform students about the legal consequences of engaging in ragging, including fines, suspension, or even imprisonment as per anti-ragging laws. It also encourages victims or witnesses of ragging to report incidents without fear of retaliation, offering support mechanisms like counselling and helplines.
Another important goal is to foster a sense of unity and mutual respect among students from diverse backgrounds, reducing the hierarchical and toxic power dynamics that often fuel ragging. By promoting a culture of empathy and peer support, the Anti-Ragging Awareness Program strives to eradicate this harmful practice and build a safer, more supportive educational experience for all students.
Programs Conducted by NSS Cell :
Here’s a structured set of points for an Anti-Ragging Awareness Program conducted by the NSS (National Service Scheme) Cell:
Introduction to Ragging
• Define ragging: Any physical or mental abuse, harassment, or ill-treatment of a student by another student, usually under the guise of initiation.
• Discuss its various forms: Verbal, psychological, physical, and sexual harassment.
• Highlight the detrimental impact on victims, including mental trauma, depression, anxiety, and in severe cases, suicide.
Legal Framework Against Ragging
• Introduce UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in higher education institutions (2009).
• Mention anti-ragging laws: Ragging is a criminal offense under Indian Penal Code (IPC), punishable by law.
• Brief overview of the Supreme Court guidelines that mandate stringent action against those involved in ragging.
Role of Educational Institutions:
• Emphasize the zero-tolerance policy against ragging in schools and colleges.
• Importance of forming Anti-Ragging Committees and Anti-Ragging Squads.
• Conduct regular awareness programs, grievance handling systems, and install complaint boxes in accessible places.
NSS Role in Anti-Ragging:
• NSS volunteers can play a proactive role by:
• Conducting awareness campaigns and skits to educate students on the dangers and consequences of ragging.
• Organizing workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions to inform students about the laws and support systems.
• Assisting fresher’s by helping them settle into their new environment without fear of ragging.
Promoting a Safe and Inclusive Environment:
• Importance of fostering a welcoming, respectful, and supportive campus culture.
• Encourage positive senior-junior relationships through mentoring programs, cultural exchanges, and NSS initiatives.
• Highlight the values of empathy, mutual respect, and unity as core components of NSS programs.
Support Systems for Ragging Victims
• Educate students about the availability of support systems such as counselling services, helplines, and dedicated anti-ragging cells.
• Share the Anti-Ragging Helpline (1800-180-5522) and other emergency contacts.
• Stress on the confidentiality and protection of whistle-blowers who report ragging incidents.
Consequences of Ragging
• Explain the severe consequences for students involved in ragging:
o Expulsion from institution.
o Rustication for a period of time.
o Suspension from attending classes.
o Denial of admission to any other institution.
o Possible imprisonment under IPC.
Student Responsibility
• Encourage students to take a pledge against ragging.
• Emphasize the responsibility of students to stand against ragging and report any such incidents.
• Encourage students to be vigilant and supportive of new students.
Feedback and Recommendations
• Participant Reviews: Analysis of feedback collected through surveys and direct interviews.
• Suggestions for Future Programs: Identified areas for improvement and potential topics for upcoming sessions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Anti-Ragging Awareness Program conducted by the NSS Cell at Rai University effectively emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for students. Through interactive sessions, students were educated on the legal implications of ragging, the support systems in place for victims, and the measures taken by the university to prevent such incidents. The program reinforced the message that ragging is a punishable offense and that a culture of mutual respect and empathy is essential for fostering a positive academic and social atmosphere. The collective commitment of the university, the NSS Cell, and the students to stand against ragging reflects a strong foundation for a safe campus environment.
Appendices
• Visual Documentation: Photos and videos from the sessions highlighting engagement and activities.
• Statistical Analysis: Detailed charts and graphs depicting participation trends and feedback scores.
