New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed higher education institutions to monitor informal ‘WhatsApp groups’ created by senior students to harass juniors, warning that such activities will be treated as ragging under anti-ragging rules.
Officials said the UGC receives dozens of complaints annually from freshers alleging harassment by seniors, including threats of social boycott if they refuse to follow orders in these groups.
“In many cases, senior students form informal WhatsApp groups, contact junior students and harass them mentally. This is equivalent to ragging, and disciplinary action will be taken,” the UGC said in its order.
The commission warned that failure to implement anti-ragging measures could lead to strict action, including withholding grants.
It added that forcing juniors to cut their hair, keeping them awake for long periods, or misbehaving with them are also forms of ragging, causing physical and mental distress, and will not be tolerated.
