Abhyspeeth Desk
New Delhi: In a decisive move to reinforce student safety on campuses, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued show-cause notices to 89 higher educational institutions across the country for failing to comply with mandatory anti-ragging regulations. The list includes some of India’s most prestigious institutes such as IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Palakkad, IIM Bombay, IIM Rohtak, IIM Tiruchirappalli, as well as Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), AIIMS Raebareli, and multiple National Institutes of Design (NIDs).
The UGC mandates that all universities and colleges submit anti-ragging compliance reports, which include affidavits from students and parents, details of anti-ragging committees and squads, and evidence of awareness campaigns. Institutions are also expected to upload all such data on the Anti-Ragging Monitoring System (ARMS) portal maintained by UGC. Failure to do so is treated as a serious breach of compliance.
According to officials, these 89 institutions failed to submit the required information and did not update their anti-ragging measures on the portal. In response, UGC has demanded explanations from each of them and has given 30 days to respond. If the institutions fail to comply within the stipulated period, they could face withdrawal of UGC funding, suspension of research grants, or even de-recognition.
This action comes in the backdrop of increasing concerns over student safety and mental health in higher education. Several ragging-related incidents have been reported in recent months, prompting the UGC to intensify its monitoring.
A senior UGC official stated, “Institutions of national importance must lead by example. Failure to comply with anti-ragging norms is unacceptable. We are committed to ensuring zero tolerance toward ragging.”
The move has sparked discussions across the academic community, especially since many of the named institutions are considered models of excellence. Experts believe this crackdown will act as a wake-up call for all universities and colleges to not only meet the bare minimum requirements but to proactively ensure a safe, welcoming environment for all students.
Students and parents can report ragging incidents directly to the UGC through its 24×7 helpline 1800-180-5522 or via email at **hel
