Ragging goes digital: UGC flags WhatsApp harassment by seniors

Higher education institutions across the country have been asked to closely monitor student-run WhatsApp groups following concerns that some are being used by seniors to harass juniors.

According to officials, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive warning that any such behavior will be treated as ragging and dealt with under strict anti-ragging rules.

"In several cases, seniors form informal WhatsApp groups, contact juniors, and subject them to mental harassment. This too amounts to ragging and will invite disciplinary measures," the UGC said in its latest directive.

The commission noted that it receives dozens of complaints each year from first-year students reporting harassment by seniors.

The new advisory highlights that digital platforms are increasingly being misused to intimidate and control freshers.

"Student safety on campus is paramount and non-negotiable. Failure to enforce anti-ragging norms may lead to stringent action, including withholding of grants," the UGC warned.

It also drew attention to instances where juniors were threatened with social boycott if they failed to comply with demands from seniors.

Other reported forms of ragging include forcing students to cut their hair, depriving them of sleep, or verbally humiliating them.

"Such acts cause physical and psychological distress and are serious violations of anti-ragging regulations and completely unacceptable," the commission said.