Jadavpur University, one of Kolkata’s most prestigious institutions, has once again come under scrutiny due to fresh allegations of ragging. A postgraduate student from the arts department recently lodged a complaint against his senior hostel residents, accusing them of mental harassment and intimidation. This incident has revived debates about student safety and the effectiveness of anti-ragging measures at the university.
The Recent Allegation
The complainant detailed his ordeal in an email addressed to the Dean of Arts, stating that senior hostel residents subjected him to mental torture. The issue reportedly started when the hostel’s mess committee asked him to purchase essentials from the local market. However, disputes arose over the size of the fish and vegetables he bought, which escalated tensions between him and the senior residents. The student also stated that he felt unsafe in the hostel, citing intimidating gestures and indirect threats from some seniors. As a result, he requested a transfer to another hostel block to ensure his safety and well-being.
This complaint has raised fresh concerns about whether the university’s previous measures to curb ragging have been effective.
Past Ragging Incidents at Jadavpur University
This is not the first time Jadavpur University has faced serious allegations of ragging. The institution has a long history of such incidents, with several cases over the years bringing its hostel culture into question.
One of the most horrifying incidents occurred in August 2023, when a first-year undergraduate student died after falling from the second floor of the university’s main hostel. Investigations later revealed that the student had been subjected to extreme ragging by senior students and unauthorized ex-boarders. This tragic event not only led to national outrage but also forced the university to reassess its ragging policies.
Following the 2023 incident, Jadavpur University expelled several students and took disciplinary action against those found responsible. However, with the recent allegations surfacing, it appears that ragging has not been completely eradicated.
How Ragging Became a Cultural Issue
Jadavpur University has long been known for its academic excellence and progressive student movements, but the issue of ragging has persisted for decades. Alumni and senior students have often described ragging as an informal “initiation process” meant to integrate freshers into the university’s unique culture. However, in many cases, these interactions have crossed the line into psychological and physical abuse.
Some students have recounted instances where freshers were forced to perform humiliating tasks, consume alcohol against their will, or face mental harassment under the guise of “hostel bonding.” While a section of students opposes these practices, many fear speaking out due to potential backlash from seniors.
Faculty members have also expressed concern that the ingrained hostel culture makes it difficult to completely eliminate ragging. Many believe that stricter monitoring and proactive interventions are necessary to change the mindset of students.
The Role of Anti-Ragging Laws in India
India has strict laws against ragging, yet incidents continue to occur in various educational institutions. The UGC’s Anti-Ragging Regulations (2009) mandate that universities take serious action against any reported cases of ragging. The law defines ragging as any behavior that causes harassment, embarrassment, or psychological harm to new students.
Key Anti-Ragging Laws in India:
- The Prohibition of Ragging in Educational Institutions Act: This law criminalizes ragging and prescribes punishments ranging from fines to expulsion.
- UGC Guidelines on Ragging: The University Grants Commission (UGC) requires every university to have a functional anti-ragging committee that promptly investigates complaints.
- Supreme Court Guidelines: In landmark rulings, the Supreme Court of India has stated that ragging should be treated as a criminal offense, and institutions that fail to control it can face penalties.
Despite these legal provisions, enforcement remains inconsistent across many universities, including Jadavpur.
Case Studies: Universities That Successfully Tackled Ragging
While ragging remains a problem in many Indian universities, some institutions have successfully implemented measures to eliminate it.
- IITs and NITs: Several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) have adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy against ragging. They have implemented anti-ragging squads, CCTV surveillance in hostels, and anonymous complaint portals to encourage students to report harassment.
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): JNU has adopted an approach where senior students are encouraged to mentor freshers instead of intimidating them. This peer-support model has helped curb ragging incidents.
- Delhi University (DU): DU has introduced extensive counseling sessions for freshers and mandatory anti-ragging workshops for senior students. These measures have helped create a safer environment on campus.
Jadavpur University could benefit from implementing similar policies to prevent further cases of ragging.
The Psychological Impact of Ragging
Experts suggest that ragging can have serious mental health consequences for victims.
Effects of Ragging on Students:
- Anxiety and Depression: Many students subjected to ragging experience extreme stress, leading to anxiety and depression.
- Loss of Confidence: Harassment can severely impact a student’s self-esteem, affecting their academic performance.
- Suicidal Thoughts: In extreme cases, victims of ragging may develop suicidal tendencies due to prolonged mental harassment.
Ragging can have long-term psychological effects, and students facing distress are encouraged to seek professional help. Organizations like NIMHANS provide mental health resources and counseling services for affected students.
Expert Opinions on Ragging’s Mental Health Effects:
Dr. Rajesh Sharma, a clinical psychologist, explains that ragging often results in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for victims. He emphasizes that institutions should provide psychological counseling services to students who experience harassment.
Similarly, Dr. Anjali Mehta, a mental health advocate, believes that the fear of retaliation discourages many students from speaking up. She suggests that universities should have anonymous reporting mechanisms to protect victims.
What Jadavpur University Can Do to Prevent Future Incidents?
While the university has taken some steps after the August 2023 incident, the recent allegations suggest that more action is needed.
Recommended Measures:
Strict Implementation of Anti-Ragging Policies:
Conduct surprise inspections in hostels.
Enforce strict punishments for students involved in ragging.
Improved Hostel Security:
Install CCTV cameras in hostel corridors.
Assign faculty wardens to monitor student behavior.
Stronger Support for Victims:
Establish anonymous complaint systems so students feel safe reporting ragging.
Provide mental health counseling for students who experience harassment.
Awareness Campaigns:
Conduct mandatory workshops on anti-ragging laws.
Promote student mentorship programs to encourage positive interactions between juniors and seniors.
Students experiencing harassment can file complaints through the official Ministry of Education website or report incidents via the NCPCR Portal for legal support.
The fresh allegations of ragging at Jadavpur University serve as a reminder that the problem has not been completely eradicated. Despite past tragedies, including the 2023 fresher’s death, new complaints continue to emerge.
For Jadavpur University to truly become a safe space for students, stronger enforcement of anti-ragging measures, better hostel security, and a shift in campus culture are essential. Only through strict policies and active student engagement can the institution eliminate ragging once and for all.
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