Govt proposes to make ragging a criminal offence

In a move aimed at protecting children in educational institutions, the government has for the first time proposed to define corporal punishment and ragging, and make them criminal offences under law.

In a move aimed at protecting children in educational institutions, the government has for the first time proposed to define corporal punishment and ragging, and make them criminal offences under law.

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The women and child development (WCD) ministry has included these offences in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014 that is being repealed and re-enacted.

For corporal punishment, a six months jail term has been proposed for causing hurt and emotional distress to a child and subsequent offence would invite a jail term of three years and dismissal from service. For causing grievous hurt or severe mental trauma, a jail term of three years and a fine of Rs 50,000 have been proposed.

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According to a 2009-10 survey conducted by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights among 6,700 students, around 99% said they have been meted out punishment of varying degree.

To check ragging, the ministry has proposed up to three years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000. Ragging by an institution's staff would put them at the risk of dismissal and a bar on working with children in the future.

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"We will soon go to the cabinet to get the bill cleared and will introduce it in the Parliament during the forthcoming budget session," said a WCD ministry official.