Delhi University opens on no-ragging note Wednesday

NEW DELHI - Delhi University reopened Wednesday to thousands of anxious first-year students stepping into a new phase of their lives and police personnel mounting strict vigil to check any ragging incidents.

All colleges opened at 8 a.m. and most planned orientation programmes for students on the first day.

“I am very excited to be a part of Delhi University as I am starting a new phase of my life - from school to college. I am looking forward to a great day ahead,” said a cheerful Vibha Singh, first year student of Kirori Mal College.

Strict anti-ragging arrangements were in place in the North and South campuses as men and women police officials, in uniform and plain clothes, spread across.

Several police pickets, intensive patrolling on foot and motorcycle, squads to check harassment, PCR vans, surprise check in buses, videography arrangements in place.

“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 of students’ welfare.

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

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

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