2 minSocial Issue
Social Issue

Ragging

Ragging क्या है?

Ragging refers to any act that causes or is likely to cause physical or psychological harm or raises apprehension or fear or shame or embarrassment to a student in an educational institution. It often involves abuse, humiliation, or harassment of new entrants or junior students by senior students.

ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि

Ragging has been a persistent problem in Indian educational institutions for decades, leading to severe physical and psychological trauma, and even deaths. Public outcry and judicial interventions, notably the Raghavan Committee Report (2007), led to stricter laws and regulations. The UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009, were a significant step.

मुख्य प्रावधान

9 points
  • 1.

    Definition of ragging is broad, covering physical, psychological, and emotional abuse.

  • 2.

    Prohibits any act of public mischief, indecent behavior, verbal abuse, physical assault, or sexual harassment under the guise of ragging.

  • 3.

    Mandates educational institutions to constitute anti-ragging committees and anti-ragging squads.

  • 4.

    Requires students and parents to submit anti-ragging affidavits at the time of admission.

  • 5.

    Prescribes penalties ranging from suspension, expulsion from the institution, withholding of results, to criminal prosecution.

  • 6.

    The Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act, 2009, specifically targets ragging in the state.

  • 7.

    The UGC Regulations 2009 provide a comprehensive framework for prevention and punishment.

  • 8.

    Emphasizes counseling and sensitization programs for students.

  • 9.

    Aims to create a ragging-free campus environment.

दृश्य सामग्री

Evolution of Anti-Ragging Measures in India

This timeline illustrates the key legislative and regulatory milestones in India's fight against ragging, from judicial interventions to the implementation of new criminal laws. It highlights the progressive strengthening of the legal framework.

Ragging has been a deeply entrenched problem in Indian educational institutions. The legal and regulatory framework has evolved significantly over the past two decades, driven by judicial activism and public demand, culminating in the recent integration with the new criminal laws.

  • 2001Supreme Court issues directions to curb ragging, emphasizing institutional responsibility.
  • 2007Raghavan Committee Report submitted, recommending comprehensive anti-ragging measures.
  • 2009UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions notified.
  • 2009Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act enacted.
  • 2013UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline (1800-180-5522) launched for direct reporting.
  • July 1, 2024Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) comes into effect, impacting ragging-related offenses (e.g., voluntarily causing hurt, sexual harassment).
  • December 2025Dharamshala incident highlights persistent issues and application of BNS in ragging-related deaths.

Ragging: A Comprehensive Overview for UPSC

This mind map breaks down the complex issue of ragging into its core components, including definitions, causes, impacts, legal frameworks, and prevention mechanisms. It helps visualize the interconnectedness of various aspects relevant for UPSC preparation.

Ragging

  • Definition & Scope
  • Underlying Causes
  • Impacts
  • Legal Framework
  • Prevention & Redressal

हालिया विकास

5 विकास

Continued efforts by UGC and state governments to strengthen anti-ragging measures.

Increased use of CCTV surveillance and helpline numbers (e.g., UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline 1800-180-5522).

Focus on digital ragging and cyberbullying as new forms of harassment.

Implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) which may impact how ragging-related offenses are prosecuted.

Renewed calls for stricter enforcement and institutional accountability following tragic incidents.

स्रोत विषय

Himachal Student Dies After Ragging and Sexual Assault; Professor, Three Others Booked

Social Issues

UPSC महत्व

Relevant for UPSC GS Paper 1 (Social Issues), GS Paper 2 (Governance, Social Justice, Laws), and GS Paper 4 (Ethics - values, institutional ethics). Questions on social evils, legal reforms, and institutional mechanisms are common in Mains. Prelims may ask about specific acts or committees.

Evolution of Anti-Ragging Measures in India

This timeline illustrates the key legislative and regulatory milestones in India's fight against ragging, from judicial interventions to the implementation of new criminal laws. It highlights the progressive strengthening of the legal framework.

2001

Supreme Court issues directions to curb ragging, emphasizing institutional responsibility.

2007

Raghavan Committee Report submitted, recommending comprehensive anti-ragging measures.

2009

UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions notified.

2009

Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act enacted.

2013

UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline (1800-180-5522) launched for direct reporting.

July 1, 2024

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) comes into effect, impacting ragging-related offenses (e.g., voluntarily causing hurt, sexual harassment).

December 2025

Dharamshala incident highlights persistent issues and application of BNS in ragging-related deaths.

Connected to current news

Ragging: A Comprehensive Overview for UPSC

This mind map breaks down the complex issue of ragging into its core components, including definitions, causes, impacts, legal frameworks, and prevention mechanisms. It helps visualize the interconnectedness of various aspects relevant for UPSC preparation.

Ragging

Physical/Psychological Harm

Humiliation, Abuse, Fear

Seniority Complex

Lack of Supervision

Trauma, Depression, Suicide

Academic Disruption

UGC Regulations 2009

State Anti-Ragging Acts (e.g., HP Act 2009)

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023

Anti-Ragging Committees/Squads

Anti-Ragging Affidavits

Sensitization & Counseling

Connections
Definition & ScopeImpacts
Underlying CausesDefinition & Scope
Legal FrameworkPrevention & Redressal
Prevention & RedressalImpacts