UP Assembly adopts Bill on ragging

UP Assembly adopts Bill on ragging

Lucknow, (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Thursday adopted a Bill aimed at curbing ragging in educational institutions and which envisages two-year prison terms and fine of Rs 10,000 for offenders.

The Bill, which was earlier approved by the state cabinet, was tabled in the House by Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Lalji Verma, and was passed by a voice-vote without any debate.

The UP Ban on Ragging in Educational Institutions Bill 2007, provides for an imprisonment up to two-years and a fine of Rs 10,000 to offenders, who would not be able to get admission in any educational institution for a period of five years from the date of the offence.

It permits students, expelled from institutions on ragging charges, to appeal within 30 days before a Commissioner, whose decision in the matter would be final, Singh said.

The Bill also provides that in case of written complaints by students, their parents or guardians and teachers, the head of the institution should probe the charges within a week.

It provides that the institution head can expel the offenders, if found guilty, within a week, and file a complaint with the area police station. The head of the institution can also be punished if he fail to take action against the offenders.

The government's concerns have been raised over the numerous incidents of ragging across the state in the past few months in places like Gorakhpur and Greater Noida.

Six students were expelled from Apeejay Institute of Technology in Greater Noida in October on ragging charges, while a student of Madan Mohan Malviya Engineering College in Gorakhpur committed suicide in September after allegedly being tortured by his seniors.


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