IIT-K gears up to check ragging

THE INDIAN Institute of Technology (IIT-K) has chalked out a foolproof strategy to check ragging at the Institute during the new academic session which starts from the first week of August. The strategy was finalised at a joint meeting on July 25.

Dean of Students affairs (DOSA) Dr Prawal Sinha told Hindustan Times that certain rules were framed to curb the menace in consultation with all the deans, chief counsellor, senior professors, hostel wardens, presidents of the hostels, president of student gymkhana and all the coordinators.

According to Dr Sinha, the participants suggested that the students be issued identity cards mentioning their hostel room number and they be asked to carry the identity card with them all the time so that their identity could be verified at any time.

Besides, it was decided that the security personnel should be empowered to ask the students to show the I-card for verification.

Moreover, the entry of senior students in hostels allocated to the new students has been restricted. In case they want to meet someone there, they will have to enter their names and entry time in the register kept at the hostel gate. They will also have to mention the time of going out from the hostel after meeting the student concerned.

Fresh students were advised not to go out during odd hours without informing the coordinators and to pay regard to senior students. On the other hand, the senior students were apprised of the legal consequences of indulging in ragging.
In addition to this , different committees consisting of senior students and professors were constituted to take care of the new students at the institute.

These committees will be in charge of hostels, classrooms, campus and mess. 

At least 10 to 20 new students will be put under the ‘guardianship’ of a senior student and it will be his responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the students under his charge.

However, Dr Sinha said that the institute had been free of ragging due to good coordination among the juniors and seniors, fostered by the senior professors. Students had the privilege of accessing senior professors and discussing their personal and academic problems freely.

“Every year we organise a get-together at an early date to bridge the introduction gap among the new and the old students. This also helps to develop a homely environment at the institute” Dr Sinha said.