Anti-ragging vigil as Delhi University opens Wednesday

NEW DELHI - The Delhi University is all set to open Wednesday with a semester system being introduced in the new academic session and strict measures in place to check ragging in all colleges.

The system pushed the academic session ahead by five days to July 21, breaking a 30-year old tradition of the varsity always opening on July 16.

The semester system is only for the science students as of now and the commerce and humanities students will follow the annual system.

University authorities and Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) have been engaged in a tussle over the past many months over the university’s hasty plans to implement the semester system. The matter is pending in the Delhi High Court.

To curb the menace of ragging, specially in the first few weeks, many colleges have formed teams comprising senior teachers to keep a strict vigil on popular hangouts like the cafeteria, common rooms and playgrounds.

All colleges will display contact numbers of the anti-ragging cell, faculty and area Station House Officer.

“The university is geared to ensure peace and harmony while welcoming the newcomers. We are working in tandem with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that incidents of ragging are addressed strictly,” said Gurpreet Singh Tuteja, deputy dean, students’ welfare.

Delhi Police, on their part, will keep a check on the campus through 24 CCTVs, while police control room (PCR) vans and pickets will be deployed at colleges and strategic points to keep a close watch on those entering the campus.

In addition, complaint boxes have been placed at colleges and girls’ hostels and surprise checks will be conducted in buses plying on the varsity routes.

“No incidents of ragging in the university will be allowed. We have deployed women police officers, PCR vans and are in constant touch with university authorities to tackle the situation,” Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told IANS.

Still, if students face any harassment, they should contact the university proctor at 27667291, the dean of students’ welfare at 27667092 or the police helpline for women at 1091 and 23317004.

The Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry has also chipped in with the launch of a 24×7 toll free anti-ragging helpline. A distressed student can call 1800-180-5522 or send an e-mail at helpline@antiragging.net.

Freshers, as the new students are called, are very excited about joining college and want to reach the campus dressed in their best.

“I am looking forward to joining DU from Wednesday. I am really excited and have shopped for the dress and matching sandals I’ll wear on the first day,” said Rwirubu Brahma, a first year student of Janki Devi Memorial College.

Around 54,000 students will start their graduation courses in several colleges of Delhi University Wednesday. Almost 5,000 seats have been added this year to keep up with the growing number of applicants.