CAMPUS HARASSMENT
Dec 13, 2024
Medical Colleges’ Lax Vigilance Fuels Ragging; Helpline Failing Students: Expert
Image: Freepik Story: Musab QaziRagging cases are surging across medical colleges. Victims face extreme humiliation and violence; some pushed to taking drastic steps
Image: FreepikSupreme Court lawyer Meera Kaura Patel highlights the factors driving this:
» Low vigilance » Colleges’ leniency
» No regard for UGC rules » Systemic failure
Poor hostel infrastructure exposes students to risks:
» Shared blocks » Lack of full-time wardens
» Lax monitoring
The sexual nature of ragging is a critical concern, involving psychological domination, stripping, extreme forms of harassment
Image: FreepikAnti-ragging helpline is mostly ineffective. Untrained staff, lack of anonymous reporting deepen the crisis
Image: FreepikMale students face stigma and lack of legal protection prevents reporting. Colleges prioritise reputation over student safety, said Patel
Image: FreepikWomen's hostels are also not immune. “Sexual aspects are penetrating these places too,” said Patel
Image: FreepikPsychological impact of ragging runs deep – it reflects systemic violence, potentially transforming future doctors’ mental health and behaviour
Image: FreepikThe advocate said there’s an urgent need for comprehensive legislation:
» National uniform laws » Mandatory reporting
» Strict institutional accountability