As per UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009, 'Ragging' constitutes one or more of any of the following acts:

• Any conduct by any student or students whether by words spoken or written or by an act which has the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness a fresher or any other student.

• Indulging in rowdy or undisciplined activities by any student or students which causes or is likely to cause annoyance, hardship, physical or psychological harm or to raise fear or apprehension thereof in any fresher or any other student.

• Asking any student to do any act which such student will not in the ordinary course do and which has the effect of causing or generating a sense of shame, or torment or embarrassment so as to adversely affect the physique or psyche of such fresher or any other student.

• Any act by a senior student that prevents, disrupts or disturbs the regular academic activity of any other student or a fresher.

• Exploiting the services of a fresher or any other student for completing the academic tasks assigned to an individual or a group of students.

• Any act of financial extortion or forceful expenditure burden put on a fresher or any other student by students.

• Any act of physical abuse including all variants of it: sexual abuse, homosexual assaults, stripping, forcing obscene and lewd acts, gestures, causing bodily harm or any other danger to health or person.

• Any act or abuse by spoken words, emails, post, public insults which would also include deriving perverted pleasure, vicarious or sadistic thrill from actively or passively participating in the discomfiture to fresher or any other student.

• Any act that affects the mental health and self-confidence of a fresher or any other student with or without an intent to derive a sadistic pleasure or showing off power, authority or superiority by a student over any fresher or any other student.

Divine Group of Institutions is firmly committed to providing a safe, secure, and conducive learning environment for all students. Ragging in any form is strictly prohibited within the institutional premises as well as outside the institution.

The institution has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards ragging. Any violation of the anti-ragging policy will result in severe disciplinary action as per UGC regulations and applicable laws.

All students, faculty, staff, and visitors are expected to comply with the anti-ragging policy and contribute to creating a respectful and supportive campus culture.

The institution shall take all necessary measures to prevent ragging and ensure that perpetrators are dealt with strictly as per the provisions of law and institutional regulations.

This policy is in compliance with the UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009, and amendments thereof.

Ragging in any form is strictly prohibited in Divine Group of Institutions and its premises including:

• Classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and all academic facilities

• Hostels, mess halls, and residential accommodations

• Sports facilities, playgrounds, and recreational areas

• Transport vehicles provided by or hired by the institution

• All other places frequented by students both on and off campus

Ragging is also prohibited during institutional activities held outside the campus including educational tours, excursions, field trips, and college events.

Any student found guilty of ragging shall be liable to punishment as per UGC regulations, which may include suspension, rustication, or expulsion from the institution, in addition to legal action under applicable criminal laws.

Divine Group of Institutions has constituted an Anti-Ragging Committee as mandated by UGC regulations. The committee consists of:

• Head of the Institution (Chairperson)

• Representatives of faculty members

• Representatives of parents

• Representatives of students belonging to the fresher category as well as senior students

• Non-teaching staff representatives

• Media representative (if applicable)

• NGO involved in youth activities (if applicable)

• Local police administration representative

The Anti-Ragging Committee shall monitor and oversee the performance of the Anti-Ragging Squad and ensure compliance with the anti-ragging policy.

The committee shall meet at least twice in an academic year to review the anti-ragging measures and suggest improvements.

All complaints of ragging shall be reported to the Anti-Ragging Committee, which will take appropriate action as per UGC guidelines and institutional policy.

The institution has established an Anti-Ragging Squad consisting of members of faculty, administrative staff, and student representatives.

The Squad shall conduct surprise raids in hostels, common areas, and other vulnerable locations to check incidents of ragging.

The Squad shall be empowered to inspect places of potential ragging and make surprise visits to various locations within and outside the campus.

Members of the Squad shall remain accessible to students at all times and shall be available for receiving complaints.

The Squad shall submit periodic reports to the Anti-Ragging Committee on the measures taken to prevent ragging and incidents, if any.

Contact details of Anti-Ragging Squad members are displayed on notice boards and the institutional website for easy access.

Every student shall:

• Refrain from participating in or abetting ragging in any form.

• Report any incident of ragging that comes to their knowledge to the Anti-Ragging Committee or Anti-Ragging Squad immediately.

• Cooperate with institutional authorities in curbing ragging and participate in awareness programs.

• Submit an affidavit at the time of admission affirming that they will not indulge in ragging and will abide by the anti-ragging regulations.

• Parents/guardians shall also submit an affidavit stating that they have been informed about the anti-ragging policy and the consequences of ragging.

• Undertake online registration on the Anti-Ragging Portal (www.antiragging.in) as mandated by UGC.

Students who witness or have knowledge of ragging and fail to report it may also be subject to disciplinary action for complicity.

Divine Group of Institutions has established multiple channels for reporting ragging incidents:

• Direct complaint to the Head of Institution, Anti-Ragging Committee, or Anti-Ragging Squad members

• Written complaints can be submitted in sealed envelopes in complaint boxes placed at strategic locations

• Email complaints to the designated institutional email address: antiragging@divinengrh.com

• Telephonic complaints to the institutional helpline: [Helpline Number]

• Anonymous complaints through suggestion boxes

• National Anti-Ragging Helpline: 1800-180-5522 (24x7 Toll-Free)

• UGC Anti-Ragging Portal: www.antiragging.in

• Email to UGC: helpline@antiragging.in

All complaints will be treated with utmost confidentiality. The identity of complainants will be protected, and no victimization of complainants will be tolerated.

Complaints may be made anonymously, and appropriate action will be taken after preliminary verification.

Upon receipt of a ragging complaint, the Anti-Ragging Committee shall immediately initiate an inquiry.

A preliminary inquiry will be conducted within 24 hours of receiving the complaint to ascertain the truth of the allegations.

If the preliminary inquiry establishes a prima facie case, a detailed investigation shall be conducted by a committee constituted for this purpose.

The accused student(s) shall be given an opportunity to present their defense and produce witnesses.

The inquiry shall be completed within a reasonable time period, generally not exceeding 10 working days from the date of complaint.

During the inquiry period, if required, the accused student(s) may be suspended from attending classes and accessing institutional facilities as a precautionary measure.

The inquiry committee shall submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations to the Anti-Ragging Committee.

The institution shall maintain complete confidentiality during the inquiry process and ensure fair treatment to all parties involved.

Depending on the nature and gravity of the offense, the following punishments may be imposed on students found guilty of ragging:

• Cancellation of admission

• Suspension from attending classes and academic privileges

• Withholding/withdrawing scholarship/fellowship and other benefits

• Debarring from appearing in examinations

• Withholding results

• Debarring from representing the institution in any regional, national or international meet, tournament, youth festival, etc.

• Suspension/expulsion from hostel accommodation

• Rustication from the institution for a specified period

• Expulsion from the institution and consequent debarring from admission to any other institution

• Fine up to an amount as deemed fit

• Collective punishment where the group is involved

In addition to institutional punishments, legal action may be initiated against the accused under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and other applicable laws.

Under Section 4 of the UGC Regulations, ragging is a cognizable offense and FIR shall be filed with local police without waiting for institutional inquiry to be completed.

Ragging is a criminal offense under Indian law. Students found guilty of ragging may face prosecution under:

• Indian Penal Code (IPC) including but not limited to:

- Section 339: Wrongful restraint

- Section 341: Wrongful confinement

- Section 323: Voluntarily causing hurt

- Section 506: Criminal intimidation

- Section 354: Assault or use of criminal force to outrage modesty

- Section 509: Insulting the modesty of a woman

- Section 307: Attempt to murder (in severe cases)

• Other applicable laws including Juvenile Justice Act (if the perpetrator is a minor) and IT Act for cyber ragging.

If the ragging incident results in death or grievous bodily harm, the perpetrators shall be charged with appropriate serious offenses including culpable homicide or attempt to murder.

Conviction for ragging may result in imprisonment, fine, or both as prescribed under law.

The institution shall fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of ragging cases.

Divine Group of Institutions undertakes various awareness and preventive measures including:

• Orientation programs for freshers highlighting the anti-ragging policy and reporting mechanisms

• Regular awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars on the harmful effects of ragging

• Display of anti-ragging policy and contact details of committee members at prominent locations

• Mandatory submission of anti-ragging affidavits by students and parents

• Circulation of UGC regulations and institutional policy through emails, website, and handbooks

• Installation of CCTV cameras in vulnerable locations (where permissible)

• Regular monitoring and surprise checks by the Anti-Ragging Squad

• Appointment of mentors/counselors to support freshers during their initial days

• Creating a culture of mutual respect and dignity through various student development programs

• Encouraging students to report suspicious activities without fear of retaliation

All faculty and staff members are sensitized about ragging issues and trained to identify and respond to ragging incidents.

The institution maintains a vigil especially during the initial months of the academic session when freshers are most vulnerable.

As per UGC regulations, all students are mandatorily required to register on the National Anti-Ragging Portal (www.antiragging.in).

Students must complete the online registration and submit the required affidavits through the portal.

The registration process includes:

• Student registration with personal and institutional details

• Submission of student affidavit against ragging

• Submission of parent/guardian affidavit

• Downloading and submitting printed copies to the institution

Failure to complete the online registration may affect the student's admission process.

The institution monitors compliance and maintains records of all students who have completed the registration on the anti-ragging portal.

Students are advised to complete this registration immediately upon admission and before joining classes.

Hostel premises are particularly vulnerable to ragging incidents. Special measures for hostel students include:

• Separate accommodations for freshers during the initial period (if feasible)

• Appointment of resident wardens and student coordinators to monitor hostel activities

• Regular visits by Anti-Ragging Squad members to hostel premises

• Installation of suggestion/complaint boxes in hostel areas

• 24x7 security arrangements and CCTV surveillance in common areas

• Strict entry/exit controls and visitor regulations

• Emergency contact numbers displayed prominently in hostel areas

• Regular meetings between hostel authorities and students to address concerns

Hostel students are required to report any suspicious activities or ragging incidents immediately to the warden or Anti-Ragging Squad.

Raiding in hostel rooms or forceful entry is strictly prohibited and will be dealt with severely.

All faculty and staff members have a responsibility to prevent and address ragging:

• Faculty members must remain vigilant and report any ragging incidents to the authorities immediately

• Class coordinators and tutors should maintain close contact with students and be accessible for complaints

• Teaching and non-teaching staff should participate in anti-ragging awareness programs

• Staff members witnessing ragging should intervene immediately and report to the Anti-Ragging Committee

• Faculty should create a supportive classroom environment and discourage any form of intimidation

• Proctors/mentors assigned to freshers should maintain regular communication and provide guidance

Faculty and staff found to be negligent in preventing or reporting ragging may also be subject to disciplinary action.

A culture of openness and trust should be fostered where students feel comfortable approaching faculty with concerns.

Divine Group of Institutions recognizes that victims of ragging may suffer physical and psychological trauma. The institution provides:

• Professional counseling services for victims of ragging

• Medical assistance and treatment if required

• Academic support to help victims cope with any disruption to their studies

• Protection from retaliation or further harassment

• Confidential assistance and emotional support

Students who have been subjected to ragging are encouraged to avail themselves of these services without hesitation.

The institution ensures that victims are not victimized or discriminated against due to their complaint.

Rehabilitation measures will be taken to help the victim reintegrate into the institutional community.

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in preventing ragging:

• Parents are required to submit an affidavit affirming that they are aware of the anti-ragging policy

• Parents should counsel their wards against participating in or tolerating ragging

• Parents should encourage their children to report any ragging incidents immediately

• The institution will promptly inform parents if their ward is involved in a ragging incident (as victim or accused)

• Parents may contact the institution authorities at any time if they have concerns about ragging

• Parents are encouraged to participate in institutional programs and interact with faculty to ensure their ward's well-being

Parental cooperation is essential in creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.

As per UGC regulations, the institution is required to:

• Submit an annual report on anti-ragging measures to the UGC and affiliated university

• Display details of the Anti-Ragging Committee and Squad on the institutional website

• Maintain records of all complaints received and action taken

• Upload information on the UGC Anti-Ragging Portal regularly

• Conduct periodic reviews of the anti-ragging policy and update as necessary

The institution is committed to full transparency and compliance with all UGC regulations regarding ragging.

Students, parents, and the public may access information about the institution's anti-ragging measures through the website and UGC portal.

For reporting ragging incidents or seeking assistance, please contact:

Anti-Ragging Committee

Divine Group of Institutions

Nayagarh, Odisha

Email: antiragging@divinengrh.com

Institutional Helpline: [Helpline Number]

National Anti-Ragging Helpline:

Toll-Free: 1800-180-5522 (24x7)

Email: helpline@antiragging.in

Website: www.antiragging.in

Remember: Ragging is a punishable offense. Report it immediately. Your identity will be kept confidential.