UGC's anti-ragging regulation from next academic session

In the wake of the recent Aman Kachroo ragging case in Himachal Pradesh, the University Grants Commission (UGC) today said universities and colleges under it will have to implement a strict anti-ragging regulation from the next academic session.

The report of the committee which is finalising the modalities of the new regulation will be sent to all the universities and colleges for implementation, UGC Chairman Sukhadeo Thorat told reporters here on the sidelines of a convocation function.

UGC has set up a four-member committee to frame the regulation to curb ragging, he said, adding the institutes wil have to implement the regulation from the next academic session.

The draft regulation proposes to make it mandatory for all students and their parents to furnish written undertakings that they will never indulge in ragging and were well versed with the laws and punishments for ragging.

Under the provisions of the new regulation, a student found guilty of ragging can be expelled and moreover, financial grants of the institution where the incident takes place, can be witheld or stopped, Thorat said, adding the regulation will be finalised shortly.

19-year-old Aman Kachroo, a medical student at a Tanda college, died early this month allegedly due to ragging, sparking a countrywide outrage on the issue.