Delhi University cracks down on ragging, new measures and penalties like expulsion announced

By Vishu Adhana
New Delhi [India], July 26 : Ahead of the commencement of the new session, Delhi University on Friday introduced strict penalties for ragging, including suspension, expulsion, degree cancellation, and barring from classes and exams, to ensure a safer campus environment.
The University of Delhi held a Proctorial Board meeting on, Thursday, July 25, to discuss stringent measures aimed at preventing ragging in the upcoming academic session 2024-25.
In the notification issued on Saturday, the university listed the punishments for ragging, which include "suspension, expulsion or cancellation of degree, withholding of results, cancellation of admission; and debarring from classes/examinations."
The two-page notification mentioned 11 anti-ragging measures, a ragging complaint mechanism, and punishment for ragging.
"The Colleges and Departments have been requested to strictly enforce the rules and regulations issued from time to time, especially the provisions of Ordinances XV-B, XV-C, and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (14 of 2013)," the university said.
In the notification, the university said that all students and hostel residents, along with their parents or guardians, are required to sign an anti-ragging undertaking at the time of admission.
The notification mentioned that DU will observe Anti-Ragging Day on August 12, followed by Anti-Ragging Week from August 12 to 18.
These events, in line with UGC instructions, are designed to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of ragging and to foster a supportive environment for all students. To ensure immediate action against any raging incidents, the university will establish two joint control rooms on the North and South campuses.
"These control rooms will be operational from August 1 to August 10, 2024, and will be accessible via telephone. The helpline numbers for North Campus are 27667221 and South Campus is 24119832)," the notification read.
As per the notification, students can report ragging through various channels, including the UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline (1800-180-5522), the anti-ragging web portal, and local police contacts.
The notification mentioned that anti-ragging posters in English and Hindi have been strategically placed throughout the North and South Campuses to remind students of the strict no-ragging policy.
Colleges and hostels were instructed to restrict outsider entry and prominently display anti-ragging rules. The notification mentioned that each college, faculty, department, and hostel is required to form Anti-Ragging/Disciplinary Committees and Vigilance Squads, utilising NCC/NSS student volunteers to monitor and report any suspicious activities.
Moreover, police pickets will be stationed outside every college, with special assistance for women's colleges. Plainclothes women officers will patrol the university premises to handle cases of ragging and eve-teasing, the notification read.