UGC Declares Harassment on WhatsApp as Ragging: Strict Action Against Digital Misconduct in Colleges

Representational Image Only: The UGC has instructed higher education institutions to keep a close watch on informal WhatsApp groups created to target or harass junior students. Officials stated that any such activity will now be considered ragging and will invite strict disciplinary action under existing anti-ragging regulations.

Introduction

In a landmark move to safeguard students from digital abuse, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has clarified that harassment of juniors through informal WhatsApp groups will be treated as ragging. This decision comes amid growing concerns about online bullying in educational institutions across India.

What Does the UGC Notification Say?

The UGC has extended the traditional definition of ragging to include cyberbullying, mental harassment, and abusive content shared through informal digital platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and private social media groups not officially linked to the institution.

According to UGC:

“Any act of harassment, abuse, or humiliation, even in digital spaces or unofficial platforms created by senior students, will amount to ragging and attract disciplinary action.”

Why Was This Decision Taken?

With the rise in online communication, students increasingly interact in informal chat groups outside the direct purview of colleges. These groups have become a breeding ground for subtle and severe forms of ragging, including:

• Name-calling or mocking juniors

• Forcing them to perform embarrassing tasks

• Threatening them to remain silent

• Sharing inappropriate memes or jokes targeting them

Such virtual harassment has serious psychological impacts and often goes unreported.

What Are the Consequences?

Any senior found guilty of digital ragging can now face:

• Suspension or expulsion

• Police complaints under cyber laws

• Cancellation of admission

• Debarment from placements and scholarships

Colleges have been instructed to monitor digital interactions and encourage students to report anonymously if they feel unsafe.

What Can Students and Institutions Do?

For Students:

• Avoid joining or creating unofficial WhatsApp groups with harmful intent

• Speak up against digital bullying

• Report any harassment to your college’s Anti-Ragging Cell

For Institutions:

• Include digital conduct in anti-ragging policies

• Conduct awareness drives on cyber ethics

• Monitor complaints with a strong redressal system

  
  

UGC’s Message: Ragging Has No Place—Online or Offline

The UGC’s move is a strong signal that ragging, in any form, will not be tolerated, whether on-campus or online. Students must treat each other with dignity, and institutions must enforce strict discipline to ensure a safe and inclusive environment.