Punjab directs education dept to curb ragging

With the beginning of new academic session, Punjab government has directed the education department, private institutes and universities to take strict action against those found indulged in ragging, while UGC has launched a helpline for the victims.
"Punjab Government is committed to eradicate the scourge of ragging from the universities/colleges/ technical educational institutes," a government spokesperson said.
The spokesman said that the victims of ragging can dial toll free number 1800-180-5522 and register their complaints.
He said that it has also made mandatory for the educational institutes to depute a nodal person, to whom the victims could contact for help.

As per the instructions from University Grant Commission, the educational institutes would now have to constitute a committee to check the menace.
He said that this committee would ensure that the recommendations of Supreme Court and Justice Ragwan Committee were duly adhered to.

As per the instruction from UGC the entrants and their parents would now have to submit a self declaration, mentioning in writing that they were against ragging.
The heads of the educational institutions have also been empowered to initiate action.
In case any educational institute is found guilty of not implementing the guidelines strict action would be taken against it, he said.