AICTE: Engg Students Mocking Caste, Gender will have to Face Expulsion

According to the expanded definition of ragging given by the AICTE, mocking the caste, ethnicity or sexual orientation of their fellow mates is part of ragging. Engineering students found doing any of the above will have to face expulsion from college.

It has been observed that ragging has become extensive in such colleges. Freshers often report cases of humiliation and physical abuse against senior students. Some events also result in the loss of lives.

To stop such tragedies from happening, AICTE has identified a set of pejorative words that are considered as an act of ragging according to a notification released on February 22, 2017.

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Students found guilty of such offences can be barred from classes, debarred from college or even lose their respective seats in the college. Students expelled from colleges will not be able to get admission elsewhere in the country.

The changes in the ragging definition and norms have been made to control the rise in discrimination on the basis of region or caste.

Delhi Joint Commissioner of Police (operations), Delhi, Robin Hibu said that this notification will act as a warning for students and will stop name-calling and taunting activities.

The notification has been issued for all engineering and technical colleges across the country. The detailed definition is aimed at increasing the awareness of the students and help them understand the anti-ragging norms.

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In 2016, use of such words was banned by the UGC in all central universities as well. Officials and educationists say that it is a good move and will help in eradicating the act of harassing or bullying. Strict rules will safeguard the integrity of the students and will promote a healthy environment in educational institutes.