Anti ragging cell in SABVMCRI

Ragging is a systematized form of Human Rights abuse. Extreme harassment, creating terror in the minds, and even physical
torture of fresh students in the guise of “campus orientation” and “College tradition” is called ragging. It serves no purpose but
to dehumanize the victim and take away his dignity. It is inhumane and barbaric while serving no purpose at all.
Be it known clearly and without any ambiguity that there is zero tolerance for ragging in Army College of Medical Sciences New
Delhi. Individuals guilty of ragging will be dealt with as per law with utmost expediency.
Detailed anti-ragging regulations have been made and are observed to deny opportunity and curb chance of potential
offenders if any.

SABVMCRI ANTI RAGGING REGULATIONS
In compliance of para 6.1.4 of MCI Regulations 2009
Ser Section Subject
1 Section I Introduction, Ragging, Punishable Ingredients of Ragging, Punishments
2 Section II Roles & Responsibilities, Committees, Squads, PTA
3 Section III Rights and duties of students
4 Section IV Measures for Prevention of Ragging
5 Section V Actions to be Taken on Receiving a Complaint of Ragging

SECTION I
INTRODUCTION, RAGGING, PUNISHABLE INGREDIENTS OF RAGGING, PUNISHMENTS
Introduction
1. Ragging is a systematized Human Rights abuse peculiar to educational institutions, where seniors harass new entrants ,by varying forms of bullying, terrorizing, mental and sometimes physical torture of the new students. Some students justify the practice stating that it is traditional practice in the College/ Institution, and others try to justify it saying that ragging serves to break ice, or establish the “pecking order”. However, often things have gone out of control, and young students have been severely traumatised, sometimes tragically resulting in their committing suicide.
2. It appears that the failure to grasp the consequences that ragging has on a young mind has propagated and led to a continuing practice of ragging. The perverted show of power and control that seniors tend to demonstrate towards their juniors by way of humiliating the juniors is deplorable, and strong measures are required to eliminate it.
3. The Honourable Supreme Court of India has laid down practices and procedures to be adopted to prevent ragging in educational institutions. Para 6 of the Honourable Supreme Court of India judgment on the Writ Petition (C) No. 656 of 1998. D/d. 3.8.2001 concerning Ragging in educational institutions states that broadly speaking, Ragging is “any disorderly conduct whether by words spoken or written or by an act which has the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness any other student, indulging in rowdy or indisciplined activities which causes or is likely to cause annoyance, hardship or psychological harm or to raise fear or apprehension thereof in a fresher or a junior student or asking the students to do any act or perform something which such student will not do in the ordinary course and which has the effect of causing or generating a sense of shame or embarrassment so as to adversely affect the physique or psyche of a fresher or a junior student.” Para 7 of the ibid order states “The cause of indulging in ragging is deriving a sadistic pleasure or showing off power, authority or superiority by the seniors over their juniors or freshers.”
4. The Medical Council of India has published a detailed Notification to eradicate the menace of ragging, which is law. This document enumerates the various measures in this regard.
5. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College And Research Institute is determined and committed to follow the law in letter and spirit. Furthermore, there is more at stake in this College which is in a process of revival. No adverse publicity of a shameful nature will be tolerated. So far, not a single case of ragging has been reported in Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College And Research Institute, and that is how it should remain.
6. Objective. To weed out ragging in all its forms from Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College And Research Institute
7. Approaches to be used. The following approaches will be used to eradicate ragging:-
o By educating existing students about the harmful effects of ragging and by informing fresh students of their rights.
o By prohibiting ragging in all its forms.
o By thwarting the occurrence of ragging by following anti ragging measures.
o By providing exemplary punishment to those indulging in ragging, in keeping with Supreme Court orders that the
o punishment to be meted out has to be exemplary and justifiably harsh to act as a deterrent against recurrence of suchincidents.
o By sensitizing staff about their responsibility. Ragging cannot be prevented without the proactive involvement of thefaculty.
o By ensuring the undertaking that there will be no covering up of incidents for fear of adverse impact on reputation.
8. Ragging. The term ragging may have originated to denote a give someone a rough time, or have a little amusement at the cost of freshers. Today, “Ragging” means any act, whether physical, verbal, or psychological assault, confinement, restraint that violates the status, dignity and honour of fresher students, exposes them to ridicule and contempt and affects their selfesteem, by verbal abuse or aggression, indecent gesture or obscene behaviour is considered to be “RAGGING”
9. Prohibition of Ragging. Ragging is prohibited in SABVMCRI. Any incident of ragging will be dealt with with no tolerance and disciplinary action will be taken with the utmost severity merited.
10. Punishable ingredients of Ragging – The punishable ingredients of ragging are as under:-
o Abetment to ragging
o Criminal conspiracy to rag
o Unlawful assembly and rioting while ragging
o Public nuisance created during ragging
o Violation of decency and morals through ragging
o Injury to body, causing hurt or grievous hurt
o Wrongful restraint
o Wrongful confinement
o Use of criminal force
o Assault as well as sexual offences or even unnatural offences
o Extortion
o Criminal trespass
o Offences against property
o Criminal intimidation
o Attempts to commit any or all of the above mentioned offences against the victim(s)
o Physical or psychological humiliation
o All other offences following from the definition of “Ragging”.

11. Burden of proof. As per law, the burden of proof is on the accused senior that ragging did not occur, and not on the junior to prove that ragging occurred.
12. Punishments that may be awarded. Depending upon the nature and gravity of the offence as established by the Anti-Ragging Committee of the institution, the possible punishments for those found guilty of ragging at the institution level shall be any one or any combination of the following: –
o Suspension from attending classes and academic privileges.
o Withholding/withdrawing scholarship/ fellowship and other benefits.
o Debarring from appearing in any test/ examination or other evaluation process.
Withholding results
o Debarring from representing the institution in any regional, national or international meet, tournament, youth festival,etc.
o Suspension/ expulsion from the hostel
o Cancellation of admission.
o Rustication from the institution for period ranging from 1 to 4 terms.
o Expulsion from the institution and consequent debarring from admission to any other institution for a specific period.
o Fine of Rs. 25,000/- and Rs. 1 lakh
o Collective punishment: When the persons committing or abetting the crime of ragging are not identified, the institution shall resort to collective punishment.

SECTION II
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES, COMMITTEES, SQUADS, PTA
Roles and Responsibilities
1. Responsibilities of BLCMCRI staff are given in succeeding paragraphs.
2. Dean.
o The Dean is responsible to ensure that no incident of ragging takes place in the institution.
o He/she should ensuring that staff members are sensitized to the fact that every employee shall be bound to immediate report to the anti-ragging squad about an incident of ragging that has come to his notice. The report will also include the identity of those who have engaged in ragging and the nature of the incidence.
o There will be formally structured committees and groups as under:-
o Anti-ragging committee (1)
o Anti-ragging squads (1 for Boys’ Hostel, 1 for Girls Hostel)
o Mentoring Cell (10-12 Mentor groups, 1 for every 13 new students)
o Welcoming Committee
o In case any incident of ragging takes place, the Head shall take prompt and appropriate action against the person(s) whose dereliction of duty lead to the incident.
o In addition to penal consequences, departmental enquiries be initiated against such heads institutions / members of the administration / faculty members / non-teaching staff, who display an apathetic or insensitive attitude towards complaints of ragging.
3. Anti-ragging committee (ARC) (para 6.4.1 of ibid Regulations)
• Composition. Anti-ragging committee will comprise of the following:-
o The Dean
o Rep of Mil Police
o Rep of Civ Police
o Faculty members
o Parents of students
o Senior students
o Fresher students
• Duties The anti-ragging committee shall carry out the following functions:-
o To ensure compliance with the provisions of Medical Council of India (Prevention and Prohibition of Ragging in Medical Colleges/ Institutions) Regulations, 2009, particularly with reference to para 6.4.
o To monitor the anti ragging activities in the institution.
o To consider the recommendations of the Anti-Ragging Squad and take appropriate decisions, including spelling out suitable punishments to those found guilty.
o The Committee will meet, record minutes, and meet with The Dean as per the following periodicity:-
Ø For the first three months after admissions: Fortnightly
Ø For the next three months: Monthly
Ø (ac) For the next six months: Quarterly

4. Anti-ragging squad (para 6.4.2 of ibid Regulations)
• Composition. There will be two Anti Ragging Squads, one for the girl’s and another for boy’s hostel. The anti-ragging squad will comprise of the following:-
o One faculty member
o Respective Hostel Wardens
o One Resident Doctor
o Hostel Staff
o Non teaching staff
o Senior students
• Duties. The anti-ragging squad shall carry out the following functions:-
o It shall work under the overall guidance of the Anti-Ragging Committee
o The Squad shall have vigil and patrolling functions.
o It shall be kept mobile, alert and active at all times and shall be empowered to inspect places of potential ragging and make surprise raids on hostels and other hot spots.
o It will conduct regular and surprise checking at various places, hostels and class rooms from time to time, and will appraise the ARC.
o It shall carry out on-the-spot investigation into any incident of ragging and make recommendations to the ARC.
o It shall conduct anonymous random surveys among freshers to check whether the Campus is indeed free from ragging.
o It shall ensure that anti-ragging posters are displayed in designated places.
o It shall occasionally dine with the newcomers in the hostels to instill confidence among them.
o It shall provide a report to the Anti-Ragging Committee every day for the first month and thereafter as directed by The Dean.
5. Mentoring Cell Mentoring Cell will be established in compliance of para 6.3.2 of MCI Regulations 2009. Its composition and duties are as under:-
• Mentoring cell will be constituted as under for each group of 6 fresher students:-
o One faculty member
o Tiers of Mentors as the number of batches in the institution, at the rate of 1 Mentor for 6 freshers and 1 Mentor of a higher level for 6 Mentors of the lower level, as follows:-
Ø (aa) Third Level (4th Year students): 1 x Mentor for 4 Mentors of 3rd Year Mentors
Ø (ab) Second Level (3rd Year students): 1 x Mentor for 4 Mentors of 2nd Year Mentor
Ø (ac) First Level (2nd Year students): 1 x Mentor for 6 freshers, grouped as per room allotment (16 mentors for 100
Ø freshers, i.e, 14 mentors for 6 freshers and 2 mentors for 8 freshers)
o Selection of the mentors will be done as per para 17 of SABVMCRI Student Mentor Program
• Functions . The Mentoring Cell shall carry out the following functions:-
o Anti-Ragging. Mentors will interact with the mentees allotted to them every day to find out whether they are facing any problems or difficulties. They will dispel fears about ragging, and fresher students will be assured that there is zero tolerance for ragging in SABVMCRI. Mentors will follow the SABVMCRI Student Mentorship Programme.
o The staff members should interact individually with each member of the group on a daily basis for ascertaining the problems and difficulties if any faced by the fresher in the institution and extending necessary help. They will make surprise visit to the rooms in the hostel where the members of the group are lodged.
o It will counsel individually the first year students regularly regarding likely problems of adjustment in a new situation in life and studies, the environment, traditions ,dos, and don’ts, work pressure, etc; allay misconceptions and fears about ragging.
o It will provide information regarding contact number of relevant officials. It will also arrange to hand over the printed information booklet and leaflets about anti-ragging measures, induction and orientation programmes to the new students.
o Student mentors have the following roles
Ø To act as a role model and assist with the delivery of SABVMCRI mentoring activities. They will visit their mentees in the hostel with the faculty member . They will introduce themselves to the freshers and orient the freshers in the presence of the faculty member.
Ø They will aid the new students to settle down and make a smooth and peaceful transition to college life, and help them with adjustment with a new environment.
Ø They will act like peer counsellors for the new students.
Ø They will challenge negative behaviours on the part of his mentees appropriately and promote observance of the College Code of Conduct for Students.
Ø They will provide information regarding contact number of College authorities and also hand over any printed information booklets, leaflets, etc. about anti-ragging measures/ induction programmes and orientation programmes to the new students.
Ø In case any students are found to be prone to ragging, mentors will immediately alert Warden. It will also
Ø counsel such students and suggest methods for adjustment or lodging suitable complaints.
o Mentors of the senior batches along with the faculty member will oversee the working of the mentoring cell of the college.They will participate and attend training and periodic mentor support workshops as required.
o Reporting. Mentoring Cell will report to The Dean once a week week in the first two months of the academic session and thereafter monthly.
o Freshers’ Welcoming Committee (Ref para 6.6 of ibid Regulations)
6. A freshers welcoming committee will be established as a measure for encouraging healthy interaction between freshers and seniors.
Ø Composition.
a. College Counsellor
b. Faculty in charge Cultural Club
c. Faculty in charge Culture Club
d. Wardens
e. Class Representatives of senior batches
Ø Functions.
a. To actively monitor, promote and regulate healthy interaction between the freshers and senior students.(Modalities will be prepared by the Committee.
b. Organize freshers’ welcome party preferably within the first two weeks of the beginning of the academic session, for proper introduction to one another and where the talents of the freshers are brought out properly in the presence of the faculty, thus helping them to shed their inferiority complex, if any, and remove their inhibitions.
7. Composition of Anti-Ragging Committee, Anti-Ragging Squad, Mentoring Cell and Freshers’ Welcoming Committee will be published in College orders.
8. Parent – Teacher Association Parent- Teacher association will be constituted at the start of the academic session in SABVMCRI.
• Composition and designations
o President : A parent
o President : A parent
o Secretary : A faculty member (OIC Trg)
o Joint Secretary : A parent
o Treasurer : Faculty member
o Members : Three parents and three faculty
• Functions.
Ø To advocate to all parents for prompt reporting any incident of ragging.
Ø To foster good relationships between parents and SABVMCRI.
Ø To discuss various issues pertaining to students.
Ø To offer recommendations to the college authorities on appropriate issues.
Ø To provide feedback to The Dean regarding any incident of ragging.
• The names of people in PTA will be published in College Orders and parents will be requested to formulate its agenda and schedule of meetings as per the convenience of all members.

SECTION III
RIGHTS & DUTIES OF STUDENTS
Rights and Duties of New Students and their guardians
1. A fresher student should consider the College community like his/her family and should maintain cordial relationship with other members of the community particularly with the senior students.
2. He/she, like any other student, enjoys all rights and privileges that are available to any free citizen of this country.
3. It is their duty NOT to obey any orders or requests from anyone in the hostel (apart from the administrators) or within the Campus if he/she feels embarrassed or undignified by complying with such requests.
4. It is the responsibility of the fresher or any other person(s) who is/are aware about such request or order to bring it to the immediate notice of the Dean or any member of the ARC, ARS or Mentoring Cell. It should be noted that failing to do so is an offence and will invite severe disciplinary action.
5. The guardian should cooperate with the College authorities to seek redressal of the grievances of the freshers, if any.

Rights and Duties of senior students
1. It is the duty of the seniors to guide the freshers properly so that they feel at home and ease their transition into a new environment.
2. Seniors should co-operate with all mentor cells and not create obstacles for them. Any tendency of a senior student to try to bulldoze his way over a junior mentor will be considered to be ragging, and dealt with accordingly.
3. Seniors are expected to co-operate and be present during the supervised interactions between seniors and freshers.
4. Seniors are expected to explore for fresh talents in the freshers during the “ice breaking sessions” in college/hostels in presence of ARC and ARS members.
5. Seniors should be proactive in ensuring that that no ragging takes place anywhere in the Campus and they should report any such incidents immediately.

Section IV
MEASURES FOR PREVENTION OF RAGGING
1. Annexure 1 of ibid MCI Regulations mandates that a copy of MCI Regulations has to be given to every student.
2. The regulations contain measures required to be taken; in Paragraph 6 it lays down measures to be taken by a Medical
College for prevention of ragging. In order to repeat a repetition, responsibilities of various authorities are referred to by
quoting only the paragraph numbers below:-
3 Sensitive areas in SABVMCRI where ragging may occur Sensitive areas in SABVMCRI are vacant classrooms, hostel rooms, dining hall,
reading room, cafeteria and TV Rooms.
4. Security. There will be a dedicated security staff under the control of Warden for the hostels. Security will be tightened
in the premises of the institution, especially at the sensitive areas. If necessary, intense security arrangements will be resorted
to at these points at odd hours during the first three months of the academic session.
5. Anti Ragging Survey among 1st year Students.
(a) A Beginning College Survey will be conducted to gather information about perceptions of ragging and whether new
entrants have been adequately informed about anti-ragging measures. The survey will be anonymous.
(b) Fortnightly anonymous surveys will be conducted for first three months of the academic session to get feedback
from these students. Thereafter this survey will be conducted monthly till the next academic year.
(c) Survey data will be analyzed by Warden and reported to Dean.
(d) This information will be communicated to the anti ragging committee in order to take preventive actions if
necessary.

SECTION V
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN ON RECEIVING A COMPLAINT OF RAGGING
1. All matters of discipline within teaching institutions must be resolved within the campus except those impinging on law and order or breach of peace or public tranquillity. (Para 6.4.2 of ibid Regulations)
2. Anti ragging complaints, in whatever form or from whatever source these may emanates, shall be dealt with immediately and appropriately. The action will also be conveyed to the appropriate authorities.
3. The identity of the complainant (whether senior or fresher) will be kept confidential.
4. Every offence shall be cognizable, non bailable and compoundable with the permission of the court.
5. In all cases a First Information Report (FIR) will be filed without exception by the college authorities with the local Police authority.
6. Any decision of the parent/guardian to file their own FIR directly will not absolve the college authorities from filing their own FIR.
7. Whenever any student or, as the case may be, the parents or guardian or a teacher, the non teaching staff or an Officer-in- Charge makes a complaint, in writing, of ragging to the principal, the principal shall, without prejudice to the foregoing provisions, within 24 hours of the receipt of the complaint, enquire into it and, if, prima facie, it is found true, suspend the student found guilty.
8. Where, on enquiry by the principal, it is proved that prima facie there is no substance in the complaint of ragging; he shall intimate the fact, in writing, to the complainant.