Website on anti-ragging measures planned

Hyderabad, July 30: As anti-ragging measures topped the agenda of the vice chancellors’ conference here today, the participants deliberated on how to make this academic year a ‘zero ragging year’.

A decision was taken to start a website entirely dedicated to the cause of anti-ragging wherein students can directly post problems and names of the offending seniors. The website would have a direct link-up with a central police station which would monitor it round-the-clock.

Highlighting the scenario in the state, inspector general of police S. Umapathi said that though the number of ragging cases has gone down in the last three years, a large number of cases are pending trial. However, not a single case ended up in conviction, he said.

“In many cases it has been observed that after the case is registered sympathy is generated for the offender which results in people interfering in the case leading to acquittal. Prosecution needs to be strengthened and seriousness of the criminal case should be maintained throughout the case,” he added.

C.R. Biswal, principal secretary to the government, higher education department highlighted the need for educational institutions to support agencies like “Red Cross’.

Meanwhile draft reports of the three committees set up after the first vice chancellors meet earlier this year, were submitted for deliberation at the conference. The draft reports were on the three major issues shortlisted in the last meeting i.e. common academic calendar for universities and colleges, half-yearly performance of the universities and defining the infrastructural facilities in the colleges.

–Agencies