Government of Gujarat issues GR to address bullying in higher education: HC was notified

On Wednesday, the Gujarat High Court was notified that the state government had issued a resolution in an attempt to address the problem of ragging in technical and higher education institutions. This resolution requires rigorous compliance from these institutions to create a secure and conducive learning environment. It is based on standards from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). At a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing on ragging incidences in educational institutions, Advocate General Kamal Trivedi informed Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayee of this critical development.

In line with national guidelines, the government’s resolution reaffirms its commitment to reducing the threat of ragging and emphasizes the significance of adhering to anti-ragging measures. In addition, as stated in the March 19 resolution, the Gujarat Education Department has started to organize anti-ragging committees at different levels. These committees play a crucial role in monitoring and ensuring that anti-ragging rules are applied consistently throughout educational institutions.

The High Court has been keeping a close eye on the situation in reaction to recent events, one of which was reported in a newspaper on January 3, 2023, and involved three senior resident students at a private medical college in Vadodara reportedly ragging a junior student. Additional action and accountability in combating ragging accidents have been sparked by the court’s intervention and the issue of notifications to important departments.

The government has demonstrated its commitment to guaranteeing the safety and well-being of students at educational institutions throughout Gujarat by its resolution and ongoing efforts. Through the prioritization of anti-ragging measures and the enforcement of adherence to national regulations, the state hopes to foster a climate that is favorable to education and individual development.