Understanding of law generates means to tackle ’ragging’

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 2, 2014:  Inaugurating an awareness programme on anti-ragging laws, organised by the District Legal Service Authority, Mangalore Bar Association and Karavali Group of Colleges, at Karavali Institute of Technology July 31, District Principal and Sessions Judge and District Legal Service Authority Chairman Uma M G  stated, "Ragging is such a negative act causing   both the victim and the perpetrator to lose  valuable student life. Many  countries have successfully controlled the menace through laws and counselling, but unfortunately India has no statutory law against it yet". 

 The judge went to explain that writ petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking suggestions to curtail ragging are active now. In its Judgement, the Court gave specific guidelines about the issue and suggested anti- ragging committees in every education institution / campus. The human resource department formed R K Raghavan committee to produce a report on control  of  ragging. Based on both, UGC prepared a separate guideline against ragging based on both guidelines in 2009.   “Now, ragging has become punishable under Indian Penal Code (IPC). Notably, the ragging percentage is nominal in Dakshina Kannada, and not so great a menace as in some parts of India.” she added.

Meanwhile, Judge Uma appealed to senior students to give  juniors a ear, welcome, support and guide them, so that they would emulate the same principles when they become seniors.   She desired freshers to be bold, assertive and  resist any attempts  of ragging and report them to management, principal or the Legal Service Authority. In a democratic society, nobody has right to violate fundamental rights of others, she said.

Karavali Institute of Technology Chairman Ganesh Rao defined ragging not only as inhuman, but also immoral. In many cases students may not know about the result of ragging, but ignorance is not an excuse. Students should be aware of legal system. Unfortunately, ragging is one of the things passed on from advanced  countries a negative product. In curbing this menace, institutional/college managements, parents, media, especially electronic media has a vital role to play, he said.

He also suggested younger students to adjust to the new environment mentally and physically. “If a senior speaks to you and asks your name don’t take it as ragging. If you consider it so, the  inferiority complex can disturb you. After studies, you may have to go other states or countries for jobs, you may get married and you will be dutybound. Colleges are places to prepare for the future challenges be courageous ,” he exhorted students.

Advocate A Udayanada delivered a dedicated  lecture on the topic. District Legal Service Authority Member Secretary and Senior Civil Judge Ganesh B, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr K V Jagadeesh, Mangalore Bar Association President P Ashok Ariga and General Secretary B Vittal Rai were present. The students expressed their gratitude for the information and guidance received.