Colleges take vigorous steps against ragging

HYDERABAD: With cases of ragging on the rise, haunting colleges across the country, educational institutions in Hyderabad are working towards taking proactive measures to curb the menace. Colleges in the city are now adopting stricter rules, and plan to launch a comprehensive awareness program to educate students on the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.

Often mistaken as something fun and harmless, ragging can take a severe toll on the mental and emotional well-being of students. With incidents of ragging on the rise, colleges are taking steps to demarcate the boundaries between jovial camaraderie and offensive behaviour.

“The awareness programmes, likely to commence in the next weeks, are designed to impart crucial knowledge about the do’s and don’ts of campus interactions. They will focus on the importance of recognising boundaries, identifying harassment and providing guidance on responsible ways to welcome newcomers, who are often subject to ragging,” said Prapti Kommu, a student council leader at a private institution in the city. “As student representatives, we are committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment on the campus. Ragging has no place in a modern society and we fully endorse efforts to eliminate it,” she added.

Aruna Godfrey, principal of a prominent college, said “As the head of an institution, my responsibility extends beyond academic excellence. We must nurture an environment where students can thrive without fear. These programs are a step in the right direction."

While colleges are taking steps to counter ragging, some observers point out that private colleges appear to be more proactive in addressing the issue when compared to their public counterparts. “This discrepancy raises questions about the consistency of efforts across the educational landscape. It's heartening to see colleges stepping up, but there is a need for a collective effort across all institutions, irrespective of their funding. Ragging is a societal problem that requires a united front,” a junior lecturer at a government college said.