ANTI RAGGING POLICY
At Horizon College, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and harmonious learning environment for all students. Ragging in any form is strictly prohibited, and we firmly stand against any such activities that may cause harm, discomfort, or distress to any individual within the college community.
The college follows a zero-tolerance policy towards ragging and ensures that all students, faculty, and staff adhere to the highest standards of discipline, ethics, and mutual respect. This Anti-Ragging Policy has been implemented to prevent ragging and to take swift action in cases of ragging to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
Definition of Ragging
As per the guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Supreme Court of India, ragging is defined as any act that:
- Involves physical or psychological harassment: This includes forcing a student to perform acts that are humiliating, degrading, or threatening.
- Verbal or written abuse: This includes derogatory comments, slurs, or any form of spoken or written harassment targeted at a student based on their appearance, gender, or any other personal traits.
- Involvement in harmful activities: Any act that disrupts the academic, personal, or social environment of the student, including the forced consumption of substances or any inappropriate actions that create distress.
- Indecent gestures or actions: Any kind of violent or inappropriate behavior intended to hurt or intimidate a student.
Objectives of the Anti-Ragging Policy
The key objectives of the Anti-Ragging Policy at Horizon College are:
- Prevention of Ragging: To ensure that ragging is not tolerated and to promote a culture of mutual respect, discipline, and harmony among students.
- Awareness and Sensitization: To educate students about the negative consequences of ragging, and to promote a healthy, supportive environment within the campus.
- Swift Action: To ensure that any incidents of ragging are promptly reported and dealt with in a fair and timely manner, according to college rules and legal provisions.
- Support for Victims: To provide immediate and confidential assistance to any student who experiences or witnesses ragging, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Deterrence: To act as a deterrent against ragging by implementing stringent disciplinary measures and legal actions against offenders.
Prohibited Acts under the Anti-Ragging Policy
The following activities are strictly prohibited under the Anti-Ragging Policy at Horizon College:
- Physical or Mental Abuse: Any form of physical assault, bullying, or harassment that causes physical or mental harm to a student.
- Forced Activities: Forcing any student to engage in any activity, whether physically or mentally distressing, against their will, including forced submission to personal requests or practices.
- Humiliating Remarks or Actions: Making derogatory remarks or engaging in any form of behavior intended to humiliate, degrade, or cause distress to a student.
- Substance Abuse: Forcing or encouraging any student to consume alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or any other harmful substances.
- Invasion of Privacy: Any act that violates the privacy of a student, including forced participation in activities that involve disrobing, or creating embarrassing situations.
- Sexual Harassment: Any form of sexual harassment or misconduct directed at any student, including unwanted physical contact, inappropriate comments, or gestures.
Steps to Prevent Ragging at Horizon College
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Regular awareness programs, workshops, and seminars are conducted at the beginning of each academic year to sensitize students and staff about the consequences of ragging and the importance of maintaining a friendly and supportive environment.
- Orientation Program for Freshers:
- A dedicated orientation program is organized for freshers, where they are briefed about the Anti-Ragging Policy, their rights, and the procedure for reporting any incidents of ragging. This helps students understand the seriousness of ragging and the actions they can take if they face any harassment.
- Counseling Support:
- The college provides confidential counseling services for students who may feel intimidated or distressed. Victims of ragging are offered emotional support and assistance in dealing with the traumatic experiences.
- Anti-Ragging Committee:
- An Anti-Ragging Committee is established to monitor, investigate, and take necessary actions in case of any reported incidents of ragging. The committee is comprised of faculty members, administrative staff, and student representatives.
- Anti-Ragging Helpline:
- A 24/7 helpline is provided where students can confidentially report incidents of ragging. The helpline ensures that any complaints are addressed immediately and appropriate action is taken.
- Strict Monitoring and Surveillance:
- The college has implemented surveillance cameras in sensitive areas such as hostels, corridors, and campus gathering spaces to monitor and prevent incidents of ragging.
- Faculty and staff members are encouraged to be vigilant and report any unusual behavior or incidents to the authorities immediately.
Action Against Ragging
The college takes strict action against anyone found guilty of ragging. The penalties for ragging may include, but are not limited to:
- Suspension: The student(s) involved in ragging may face immediate suspension or expulsion from the institution.
- Fines: Monetary fines may be imposed as part of disciplinary actions.
- Legal Action: In severe cases, legal proceedings may be initiated, including filing of a First Information Report (FIR) under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant Anti-Ragging laws.
- Revocation of Scholarships: Students involved in ragging may lose any scholarships, academic benefits, or privileges awarded by the college.
- Expulsion from Hostel: If the incident takes place in the hostel, the students involved may be expelled from the hostel and barred from re-entering.
- De-recognition of Student: Students found guilty may be permanently debarred from participating in any co-curricular or extra-curricular activities, and their records will be marked.
Guidelines for Students
- For Freshers: If you face any incident of ragging, do not hesitate to approach any faculty member, the Anti-Ragging Committee, or use the helpline. You have the full support of the institution.
- For Senior Students: If you are aware of any instance of ragging, please report it immediately. Do not participate in or encourage any form of ragging. Support freshers and create a safe environment for them.
Conclusion
Horizon College is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students. The Anti-Ragging Policy reflects our firm stance against ragging and ensures that students can pursue their education without fear or discomfort. The college fosters mutual respect, discipline, and kindness, and any violation of these principles will be dealt with strictly.