Anti-Ragging squads formed in CUSAT

Anti-Ragging squads formed in CUSAT
Kochi, Aug. 10 (PTI): To check the Ragging menace, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has set up 28 Anti-Ragging squads in its various departments.

This would come as a big relief for the new students of the School of Enginering at nearby Kalamassery and the Cochin University of Engineering at Kuttanad in Alapuzha district.

All the Head of the Departments (HOD)s would periodically meet the university registrar to review the activities of the squads, CUSAT Registrar, Dr A Ramachandran, told PTI.

CUSAT has lot of students from North India and Bihar.

No complaints have been received, he said. However, the father of a Bihari student sent him an e-mail two days ago saying that his son had fears of being ragged. The student was called and counselled and told to inform the squad in case of any ragging incident, Ramachandran said.

The squads were formed early this month just as classes commenced from August 2 for the fresh batch of engineering students.

All the seniors have to give an undertaking to their HODs stating that they would not indulge in ragging. In case of any incident, they would be dismissed from the university after an inquiry and a police case would be registered, he said.

At least 30-35 per cent of the students in CUSAT are from North India and Bihar.

The B.Tech department heads had discussed the issue at a meeting on July 30 in the wake of the supreme court's direction to ensure that ragging was stopped in educational institutions and it was decided to set up the squads and take strict action against seniors, indulging in ragging.

Anti-ragging cells have been constituted which would bring out banners and posters against the menace. 'Ragging is anti-humane; We are civilised' has been put up in diffrent places at the campus and strict action would be taken against those indulging in ragging, he said

The posters would also carrying telephone numbers of the HODs, police commissioner, and kalamassery police number. The student can directly inform the police in case of any incidnet, Dr Ramachandran said.

About 100 new students had been found walking around with their heads shaved. However, when asked none of the students have complained about their seniors, he said.

It is learnt that the freshers have been instructed by their seniors not to lift their heads and walk in the campus, wear the same slippers they use in bathrooms while attending college, and not to tuck in their shirts.

The squad members, comprising teachers, would also visit the hostels at night.

The first year students are mostly staying in private hostels and as paying guests, he said. The students have been told to refuse any directive from the seniors to visit their hostels at night and inform the squad.

link to report : http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200708100323.htm