1) PwDs and the DPDP Act: Concerns Over Digital Consent and Autonomy

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Ensuring PwDs Rights

Why is it in the news?

• With the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) set to conclude public consultations on the draft Rules of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, disability rights activists have raised concerns over a provision that clubs Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with children.
• They argue that this provision undermines the decision-making rights of PwDs and misinterprets the role of legal guardianship, potentially leading to restrictions on their autonomy.

The Controversial Provision

• Section 9(1) of the Act states that for children and PwDs with legal guardians, data fiduciaries must obtain verifiable consent from the parent or guardian before processing personal data.
• While the government has attempted to limit the disabilities to which this provision applies, activists contend that the implementation remains problematic.
• The provision assumes that all PwDs with legal guardians lack the capacity to provide consent, disregarding the diversity of disabilities and their varying impacts on decision-making abilities.

Guardianship and Consent Mechanisms

• The DPDP Act defines data fiduciaries as entities processing personal data and data principals as individuals whose data is collected. However, for PwDs, Section 2(j)(ii) includes “lawful guardian” within the meaning of data principal, which complicates matters.
• The draft Rules, particularly Rule 10, outline verification processes for legal guardians but do not clarify how the consent process would work for different disabilities. Unlike the detailed illustrations provided for children’s consent, no such clarifications exist for PwDs, raising concerns about procedural ambiguities.

How Legal Guardianship Functions

• In India, PwD guardianship is governed by two laws: the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, and the National Trust (NT) Act, 1999. The NT Act applies to individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, or multiple disabilities, granting full guardianship.
• Conversely, the RPWD Act provides for “limited guardianship,” supporting PwDs in making specific legal decisions rather than fully taking over their autonomy. While the RPWD Act aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the NT Act’s approach is seen as restrictive and outdated.

The Conflict in Implementation

• A survey by policy think tank PACTA and Saksham Disability found that 27.4% of PwDs had legal guardians, with most under the RPWD Act’s limited guardianship. However, in practice, many guardians control all aspects of the PwD’s affairs, contradicting the Act’s intent.
• Section 9(1) of the DPDP Act appears to assume that having a legal guardian automatically means an inability to make digital decisions, which contradicts the principles of autonomy and equal participation.
• The lack of gender considerations further complicates matters, as a PwD woman might require her guardian’s consent even for basic online purchases.

Key Concerns Raised

The ambiguous consent structure has led to several concerns:

• Firstly, the legal obligations of guardians remain unclear—whether they would bear full legal responsibility and penal consequences for the PwD’s digital activities.
• Secondly, there is no clarity on how the law would function when guardianship laws contradict UNCRPD principles.
• Thirdly, platforms may end up collecting unnecessary disability data, raising privacy concerns. Additionally, the accessibility of digital platforms remains a major challenge.
• A 2023 evaluation by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy found that major platforms like Paytm, Swiggy, Zomato, and Flipkart scored poorly on accessibility, further limiting the digital rights of PwDs.

The Way Forward

• Disability rights groups urge the government to amend Section 9(1) to recognize the autonomy of PwDs rather than imposing blanket consent requirements.
• Instead of restricting digital access, policies should focus on creating more accessible digital platforms and frameworks that support PwDs in decision-making without curtailing their rights.

2) Savarkar’s The Indian War of Independence 1857: Shaping the Revolt into a National Movement

GS 1: Culture and History: V. D. Savarkar Perspectives

Context

• Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s The Indian War of Independence 1857 aimed to reshape the historical narrative of the revolt. His introduction states, “A nation that has no consciousness of its past has no future,” emphasizing that understanding history is essential for national progress.
• While later historians criticized the book for its selective use of sources and grand narrative, its primary goal was to inspire national consciousness and mobilize Indians against British rule.

Influence of Chiplunkar and Marathi Bakhar

• Savarkar’s historical approach was influenced by V K Chiplunkar, a nationalist writer who selectively highlighted past events to inspire political change. Chiplunkar’s method of using historical narratives to rationalize revolution deeply impacted Savarkar’s style.
• Another key influence was the Marathi bakhar tradition, which presented history in a sequential manner and framed past struggles as part of recurring cycles. This perspective reinforced the idea that the 1857 revolt was not an isolated event but part of a broader struggle for Indian sovereignty.

Borrowing from Mazzini’s Revolutionary Framework

• One of Savarkar’s greatest inspirations was Giuseppe Mazzini, the Italian revolutionary who played a crucial role in Italy’s unification. While writing about 1857, Savarkar also penned a Marathi biography of Mazzini.
• Historian Vinayak Chaturvedi notes that Savarkar extensively discussed Mazzini’s ideas, particularly the role of nationalism as a stepping stone to global unity. Mazzini’s belief in using history to construct national identity deeply influenced Savarkar’s interpretation of 1857, leading him to frame it as a people’s war against colonial rule.

Reinterpreting the 1857 Revolt as a National Uprising

• Savarkar challenged British and contemporary Indian narratives that dismissed the revolt as a series of uncoordinated mutinies. He argued that it was a well-planned war involving Indian soldiers, princes, and civilians united against British rule.
• In Inside the Enemy Camp (1965), he wrote that the uprising “did not succeed, but gave a big jolt to the British Empire,” serving as a guide for future resistance. His book sought to provide a unifying motive behind the sepoys’ actions, questioning whether such large-scale sacrifices could occur without a greater national cause.

Advocating Communal Unity Against British Rule

• Savarkar’s book emphasized Hindu-Muslim unity in the fight against colonialism. He wrote that while hostility towards Muslims was necessary in Shivaji’s era, continuing such divisions in the present would be counterproductive.
• This message of communal harmony was significant at a time when British policies sought to divide Indian communities.

Impact and British Ban on the Book

• Upon its completion in 1907, The Indian War of Independence 1857 was seen as highly provocative. The Marathi edition was banned in India before publication, and the book remained prohibited until independence in 1947.
• The ban was intensified after Madan Lal Dhingra, associated with Savarkar’s Abhinav Bharat Society, assassinated British official Curzon Wyllie in 1909. Despite this, copies of the book were smuggled into India, and it gained immense popularity, shaping nationalist thought in the early 20th century.

3) Champakam Dorairajan: The Woman Who Triggered India’s First Constitutional Amendment

GS 1: Culture and History: Dorairajan’s fight for her fundamental right

Context

• Champakam Dorairajan, a woman ahead of her time, aspired to become a doctor, an unusual dream for married women in the 1940s. However, the Madras government’s Communal General Order (Communal G.O.) of 1948, which allocated educational seats based on caste, stood in her way.
• According to this order, out of 14 seats, six were reserved for non-Brahmin Hindus, two for Backward Hindus, two for Brahmins, two for Harijans, one for Anglo-Indians and Indian Christians, and one for Muslims. As a Brahmin, she had little to no chance of admission, leading her to challenge the order in court.

The Landmark Supreme Court Case

• Dorairajan took her fight to the Madras High Court, arguing that the reservation policy violated her fundamental right to equality. In July 1950, the court struck down the order, but the State of Madras appealed the decision to the Supreme Court.
• On April 9, 1951, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Dorairajan, declaring that the Communal G.O. was unconstitutional as it violated the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The court stated that classification based on religion, race, and caste was against the principles of equality enshrined in the Constitution.

Impact: The First Amendment to the Constitution

• The Supreme Court’s decision led to a major constitutional change. Until then, the Constitution provided for reservations only in public employment.
• To enable affirmative action in education, the government introduced the First Amendment, adding Article 15(4), which allowed the state to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes, as well as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• This case also sparked an ongoing debate on merit, equality, and discrimination, which remains relevant today.

Personal Struggles and Influence of Legal Circles

• Born in 1915, Dorairajan graduated with a degree in Physics and Chemistry from the University of Madras in 1934 but had to abandon her dream of becoming a doctor due to financial difficulties.
• Her husband, who ran a pharmaceutical company, was acquainted with prominent lawyers in Chennai, which may have encouraged her legal challenge. Renowned advocates V V Srinivasa Iyengar and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, who was also a member of the Constituent Assembly, argued on her behalf in court.

The Supreme Court’s Strict Interpretation of Equality

• The Supreme Court, quoting her affidavit, noted that while she had not formally applied for medical admission, she knew she would be denied due to her caste. The government pleaded with the court to interpret the Constitution in its “letter and spirit” to allow reservations in education.
• However, the court ruled that directive principles, such as Article 46, which mandates the promotion of weaker sections, could not override fundamental rights.
• Over time, this interpretation changed, with later rulings allowing directive principles to influence rights, such as balancing cow slaughter laws with trade rights and property rights with social welfare measures.

Changing Legal Perspectives on Reservation

• Legal scholars and judges have since criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dorairajan’s case. Former Madras High Court judge K Chandru noted that the judiciary initially assumed India was a casteless society and treated reservations as exceptions to Article 14’s equality principle.
• In a 2024 ruling, then-Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud called the 1951 ruling a “formalistic and reservation-limiting approach,” marking a shift in judicial perspectives.

Conclusion

• While Dorairajan’s case was driven by her personal goal of studying medicine rather than opposition to affirmative action, her legal battle had far-reaching consequences for India’s constitutional framework.

4) Boilers Bill 2024: Retaining Colonial Features with Minimal Changes

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Boilers (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Why is it in the news?

• The Boilers (Amendment) Bill, 2024, set to replace the Boilers Act of 1923, aims to regulate industrial boilers and ensure uniformity in their operations. While its primary objective is to enhance safety and compliance, the minimal changes to the colonial-era law have raised concerns.
• Union Commerce Minister emphasized that the Bill sets construction standards, pressure limits, and inspection protocols to prevent boiler explosions. However, opposition members questioned its environmental and safety implications, but their amendments were rejected in Parliament.

Key Changes in the Boilers Bill, 2024

• As a subject under the concurrent list, boilers come under both Central and State jurisdiction.
• The Bill defines boilers as pressure vessels generating steam through heat but exempts locomotive boilers, sterilizer vessels under 100 litres, and those operating below 100°C. The legislation retains three core aspects: the Central Boilers Board, inspection mechanisms, and penalties.

1) The Central Boilers Board

• Led by the Secretary of the Central Department, will include representatives from the Centre, Bureau of Indian Standards, manufacturers, engineers, and State technical officers. This board will regulate boiler design, manufacturing, and inspections while framing rules to be tabled in Parliament.

2) Inspection and Certification Mechanisms

• State governments retain the authority to appoint inspectors to oversee boiler installation, repair, and compliance. Chief Inspectors hold the power to grant, renew, or revoke certifications, with appeals directed to the Centre, whose decision remains final.
• Third-party institutions recognized by the State can also inspect boilers, with their reports requiring approval from the Chief Inspector.
• Additionally, a ‘competent authority’ can certify welders, approve repairs, and renew permits. The inclusion of third-party certification aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

3) Safety Provisions and Penalties

• Accidents, including boiler explosions or uncontrolled steam releases, must be reported within 24 hours. Experts highlight that while industrial boilers have internal safeguards, small boilers remain vulnerable to pressure-related explosions.
• The Bill retains strict penalties, including up to two years of imprisonment and fines up to ₹1 lakh for unauthorized modifications, failure to report accidents, or safety violations.
• The Chief Inspector’s sanction is mandatory for prosecuting offences, and State governments can utilize fines as prescribed.

Concerns Over State Autonomy and Risk Management

• A notable change allows State governments to exempt certain provisions of the Act, raising safety concerns. Experts argue that while decentralization offers flexibility, it should not compromise safety standards.
• The Bill also expands the roles of the Central Boilers Board and State inspectors while increasing penalties to match present-day industrial conditions.

Conclusion

• Despite limited modifications, the Bill encourages digitization and advanced technology for inspections.
• Experts advocate for a shift towards risk-based assessments rather than lifespan-based inspections, emphasizing the need for a dedicated risk measurement agency. Strengthening risk mitigation measures could enhance safety and extend the operational life of industrial boilers.

5) Amy Gleason Named Acting Administrator of DOGE

GS 2: International Relations: U.S. DOGE

Why is it in the news?

• The White House announced on February 25 that former healthcare executive Amy Gleason will serve as the Acting Administrator of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Who is Amy Gleason?

• Amy Gleason is a nurse-turned-entrepreneur who worked as a Digital Services Expert for the US Digital Service (USDS) from 2018 to 2021, an initiative launched during the Obama administration to modernize government IT systems.
• She later served as Chief Product Officer at Russell Street Ventures and Main Street Health, focusing on rural healthcare solutions. During her tenure at USDS, she played a crucial role in federal COVID-19 response efforts, CDC surveillance tool development, and advancing interoperability at the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
• Gleason has also been an advocate for patient rights after her daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Myositis, a rare autoimmune disease, in 2010. She was the Chief Operating Officer of CareSync, a telemedicine company aimed at centralizing patient records.
• Recognized as a “Champion of Change” by the Obama administration, she contributed to patient care coordination and research through her voluntary role as Vice President of Research for the Cure JM Foundation.

What is DOGE?

• The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) derives its name from the DOGE meme coin, a nod to Elon Musk’s past enthusiasm for the cryptocurrency.
• Conceived as a Republican-backed initiative to promote “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,” DOGE aims to eliminate waste and fraud in government spending.
• On January 20, President Trump issued a presidential action renaming the existing US Digital Service to the “US DOGE Service” and creating the US DOGE Service Temporary Organization.
• This temporary entity, led by the USDS administrator, has an 18-month mandate to execute the DOGE agenda and is set to disband on July 4, 2026. Gleason, in her capacity as Acting Administrator, will report directly to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

Why is DOGE Under Scrutiny?

Dubious Financial Claims

• DOGE claims to have saved $65 billion by eliminating fraud, cancelling contracts, renegotiating leases, selling assets, reducing workforce size, and modifying regulatory programs.
• However, its “Wall of Receipts” report, which showcased these savings, has been widely disputed. Fact-checks by the NYT, Politico, and other organizations found numerous inaccuracies, including a misrepresentation of an $8 million cancelled contract as being worth $8 billion.
• Following these revelations, DOGE quietly removed five of its biggest reported savings from its records, according to an NYT report.

Redundant Contract Cancellations

• Experts have also criticized DOGE for terminating contracts that had little to no financial impact. A report by the Associated Press estimated that 40% of the cancelled contracts were not expected to generate any savings.
• Some of the cancelled contracts included research awards, completed training programs, pre-purchased software, and internships that had already concluded.

Legal Challenges

• DOGE has faced multiple lawsuits questioning its authority, Musk’s role in the department, and its ability to access personal and financial data from various government agencies.
• These legal battles have intensified scrutiny over DOGE’s operational legitimacy and its compliance with federal regulations.

Layoffs and Resignations

• A core objective of DOGE has been reducing government spending through large-scale layoffs. While no official figures have been released, thousands of federal employees have reportedly been dismissed within the first month of Trump’s presidency.
• On February 25, over 20 civil service employees, including engineers, data scientists, designers, and product managers, resigned in protest. In a letter obtained by Politico, they stated that they refused to use their expertise “to compromise core government systems, jeopardize Americans’ sensitive data, or dismantle critical public services.”
• Many of these professionals had left high-paying private sector jobs for nonpartisan public service, only to find their roles undermined by DOGE’s cost-cutting measures.

6) Southern States’ Concerns Over Delimitation

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Concern over Delimitation

Why is it in the news?

• Union Home Minister recently assured that southern states would not lose any parliamentary seats after delimitation. However, concerns persist among states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which fear reduced representation if seats are reallocated based on the latest population data.
• Due to slower population growth in the South compared to the North, any delimitation exercise could significantly increase the number of seats in northern states, shifting political influence away from the South.

Understanding Delimitation

• Delimitation is a constitutional mandate carried out after every Census to adjust parliamentary and state assembly seats based on population changes. The process ensures equal representation by maintaining roughly the same population size in each constituency.
• Until 1976, India redistributed Lok Sabha and state assembly seats after every Census (1951, 1961, and 1971).
• However, the 42nd Amendment during the Emergency froze the total number of seats until the 2001 Census to allow states with high population growth to implement family planning without political disadvantages.

Seat Distribution Based on Population Growth

• Although constituency boundaries were adjusted in 2001, the number of seats per state remained unchanged, largely due to opposition from southern states. With another round of delimitation anticipated, states in peninsular India fear that lower population growth will result in fewer seats, reducing their influence in Parliament.
• During the debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, Tamil Nadu CM warned that delimitation based on population would undermine the South’s political voice. Data projections indicate that while Tamil Nadu would see only a 26% increase in seats, states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh could see a 79% rise.

Population-Based Seat Reallocation

• The impact of delimitation depends on the average population per constituency. In 1977, each Lok Sabha MP represented 10.11 lakh people. If this ratio were maintained, the number of Lok Sabha seats would increase to 1,400 based on the projected 2025 population.
• Under this scenario, Uttar Pradesh (including Uttarakhand) would triple its seats from 85 to 250, while Bihar (including Jharkhand) would rise from 25 to 82. In contrast, Tamil Nadu’s representation would grow from 39 to just 76, and Kerala from 20 to 36.
• Since the new Parliament has only 888 seats, this formula is unlikely to be applied. If each constituency were based on a 20 lakhs population, Parliament would have 707 seats. This would leave Tamil Nadu’s seats unchanged, while Kerala would lose two, whereas Uttar Pradesh’s tally would rise to 126 and Bihar’s to 85.
• Even if a 15 lakh per constituency formula were used (leading to 942 Lok Sabha seats), Tamil Nadu and Kerala would see only modest increases, while Uttar Pradesh and Bihar would gain significantly.

Electoral and Political Impact

• Southern regional parties fear that population-based delimitation will favour national parties like the BJP, which has a strong base in the North. Congress shares these concerns, as its decline in the Hindi heartland has made it reliant on southern states.
• Since the 1990s, Congress has struggled in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with its 2024 victory depending heavily on South Indian states. In 2019, out of Congress’ 52 seats, 15 came from Kerala and eight from Tamil Nadu. Similarly, in 2004 and 2009, a large portion of Congress’ seats came from Andhra Pradesh.
• If delimitation significantly increases northern seats, Congress and regional parties in the South may face further challenges in national elections.

7) NASA’s SPHEREx: Mapping the Cosmos and Tracing Life’s Origins

GS 3: Science and Technology: Insights into Universe formation

Why is it in the news?

• NASA is set to launch its latest space telescope, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer), on February 28 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
• The two-year mission aims to enhance our understanding of the universe’s formation, the evolution of galaxies, and the presence of water and life-forming molecules within the Milky Way.

Mapping the Universe in Unprecedented Colour

• SPHEREx will create the most detailed and colourful map of the cosmos by detecting both optical and infrared light. While optical light is visible to the human eye, infrared light reveals hidden cosmic structures, such as distant galaxies, star formations, and interstellar details.
• Unlike the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which specializes in detailed infrared observations of specific regions, SPHEREx will systematically image the entire sky every six months in 102 infrared colours, offering an unprecedented view of the universe.

Investigating Cosmic Inflation

• One of SPHEREx’s primary objectives is to study cosmic inflation—a rapid expansion of the universe that occurred approximately 14 billion years ago, faster than the speed of light. This event is believed to explain the large-scale structure and flatness of the universe, but it remains poorly understood.
• Using spectroscopic imaging, SPHEREx will map the 3D positions of about 450 million galaxies across time, helping astronomers refine inflation theories and deepen our understanding of the early universe.

Searching for Life-Forming Molecules in the Milky Way

• SPHEREx will also focus on identifying water and biogenic molecules, such as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, within the Milky Way galaxy. These molecules, essential for life, exist in icy particles in some of the coldest regions of space. However, scientists are still uncertain about how they travelled from these regions to Earth.
• By conducting a complete survey of icy biogenic molecules within the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, SPHEREx will provide crucial insights into the conditions necessary for their formation, shedding light on the origins of life in the universe.

8) Ragging in Indian Educational Institutions

GS 2: Society: Ragging and its impact

Why is it in the news?

• Ragging has remained a serious issue in India’s educational institutions, causing severe physical, psychological, and emotional distress to students.
• Despite stringent legal provisions and Supreme Court directives, cases of ragging persist, as evident in recent incidents from Kerala’s Government College of Nursing in Kottayam and Government College, Karyavattom in Thiruvananthapuram.

Understanding Ragging

• The Supreme Court, in the Vishwa Jagriti Mission v. Central Government (2001) case, defined ragging as any act that involves disorderly conduct or verbal and physical harassment of juniors, causing psychological distress.
• It includes behaviour that instils fear, forces students into humiliating situations, or adversely impacts their physical and mental well-being.
• Ragging can take multiple forms, including physical abuse, psychological intimidation, verbal insults, and even sexual harassment, leading to severe consequences such as anxiety, depression, and suicides.

Recent Incidents and Statistics

• Despite multiple efforts to curb ragging, incidents continue to surface. In 2025, a video from a Government Nursing College in Kottayam, Kerala, showed a student being tied and assaulted, reinforcing concerns about ragging.

According to UGC Helpline Data (2009-2023):

• Over 8,000 complaints of ragging were recorded.
• Complaints surged by 208%, rising from 358 cases in 2012 to 1,103 cases in 2022.
• Between 2012 and 2023, 78 student deaths were linked to ragging.

State-wise Statistics:

• Maharashtra (10), Uttar Pradesh & Tamil Nadu (7 each), Telangana (6), Andhra Pradesh (5), Madhya Pradesh (4) recorded the highest student deaths.
• Uttar Pradesh (1,202), Madhya Pradesh (795), West Bengal (728), Odisha (517), Bihar (476), Maharashtra (393) had the highest complaints.

Institutions with the Most Complaints:

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU): 72 complaints
• Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal: 53 complaints
• MKCG Medical College, Berhampur: 49 complaints

Consequences of Ragging

Impact on Victims

• Victims of ragging experience physical injuries, sometimes leading to permanent disabilities or even fatalities. Psychological trauma, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies, is common.
• The constant fear of harassment disrupts academics, leading to absenteeism, poor performance, and loss of concentration. Health issues such as insomnia, eating disorders, and substance abuse are also prevalent among victims.

Legal Consequences for Perpetrators

Students involved in ragging face severe criminal charges under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections:

• Section 323 – Causing hurt
• Section 506 – Criminal intimidation
• Section 509 – Outraging modesty
• Section 306 – Abetment of suicide (in extreme cases)
• Additionally, perpetrators face academic penalties like suspension, expulsion, and blacklisting from institutions, leading to a loss of scholarships and career setbacks, as criminal records can affect their eligibility for government and private jobs.

Impact on Educational Institutions

• Institutions with recurring ragging incidents suffer reputational damage, leading to declining admissions and negative media coverage.
• Colleges failing to curb ragging risk funding cuts, de-recognition, and legal action under UGC Clause 9.4. A hostile campus environment also disrupts the overall learning atmosphere.

Impact on Parents & Society

• Ragging places an emotional and financial burden on victims’ families, as they deal with medical treatments and legal battles. It also erodes society’s trust in educational institutions, raising demands for stricter anti-ragging measures to ensure student safety.

Challenges in Eliminating Ragging

Weak Implementation of Regulations

• Despite clear directives from the Supreme Court and UGC, many institutions fail to enforce anti-ragging laws effectively.
• Clause 9.4 of the UGC Regulations, which allows action against institutions that neglect anti-ragging measures, has never been enforced since 2009. Furthermore, administrative apathy leads to many ragging cases being dismissed as minor conflicts.

Lack of Awareness and Sensitization

• Many senior students do not fully comprehend the psychological and legal consequences of ragging. Colleges often neglect orientation programs that educate students about the dangers of ragging and the importance of fostering a healthy academic environment.

Fear of Reporting Incidents

• Victims hesitate to report ragging due to fear of retaliation from seniors. Social stigma prevents many from speaking up, as they fear being labelled as weak or cowardly.

Inefficient Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

• Although anti-ragging committees exist in most institutions, many lack real authority or fail to act on complaints effectively. Cases are often delayed, ignored, or dismissed, reducing students’ trust in grievance redressal systems.

Inadequate Monitoring and Oversight

• Poor CCTV surveillance, lack of digital complaint tracking systems, and inefficient anti-ragging helplines contribute to many cases going unreported or unresolved. Strengthening monitoring mechanisms can enhance transparency and accountability.

Cultural Acceptance of Ragging

• Many students view ragging as a “bonding ritual”, normalizing the abuse of juniors. This mindset sustains a cycle of harassment, where former victims continue the practice on new students under peer pressure.

Committees and Legal Framework Against Ragging

• Several committees and legal provisions have been established in India to combat ragging effectively. The Raghavan Committee (2007) recommended key measures such as mandatory anti-ragging affidavits, immediate FIR filing, disciplinary actions, and awareness programs to prevent ragging.
• Earlier, the Unny Committee (1999) emphasized the need for student safety, institutional accountability, and efficient grievance redressal mechanisms in educational institutions.
• To ensure compliance, the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations (2009) introduced strict penalties for institutions failing to curb ragging, following the recommendations of the Raghavan Committee.
• In 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) introduced new criminal provisions to address ragging under offenses like wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, and assault.
• Additionally, several states have enacted state-specific anti-ragging laws, such as Kerala (1998), Maharashtra (1999), Andhra Pradesh (1997), and Assam (1998), to impose stricter regulations at the regional level.
• With the rise of cyber ragging, the Information Technology (IT) Act (2000) plays a crucial role in addressing online harassment and bullying. Though Section 66A (now repealed) was previously used against cyber ragging, Section 67 continues to be applicable for penalizing the publication of obscene or harmful material online.

Supreme Court Guidelines on Ragging

• In the landmark case Vishwa Jagriti Mission v. Central Government (2001), the Supreme Court of India issued stringent anti-ragging directives for educational institutions.
• Colleges and universities were mandated to establish Anti-Ragging Committees and Squads responsible for conducting surprise inspections and addressing complaints effectively. Institutions were also required to file an FIR within 24 hours of a confirmed ragging incident to ensure swift legal action.
• To create awareness, institutions must prominently display anti-ragging guidelines on their websites and campuses. Additionally, students are required to submit affidavits annually, pledging not to engage in ragging, reinforcing personal accountability.

Legal and Administrative Measures

• Several legal and administrative steps have been taken to deter ragging. The UGC established a 24×7 Anti-Ragging Helpline (1800-180-5522) to assist victims in reporting incidents and seeking support.
• Strict disciplinary actions, including monetary fines, rustication, and debarment from exams, are imposed on those found guilty of ragging. Furthermore, mandatory sensitization programs for students and faculty aim to foster a safe and respectful campus culture.

The Way Forward

Strengthening Legal and Institutional Framework

• To enhance enforcement, the UGC must invoke Clause 9.4 against institutions that fail to act against ragging. Additionally, fast-tracking trials and imposing strict legal penalties on offenders can deter future incidents.

Technology-Driven Monitoring

• The use of AI-based CCTV surveillance in hostels and campuses can help monitor and prevent ragging activities. Furthermore, anonymous digital complaint tracking systems should be developed to encourage students to report incidents without fear of retaliation.

Awareness and Behavioural Change

• Mandatory anti-ragging workshops should be conducted to educate students about the harmful effects of ragging. Establishing student mentorship programs can also promote a culture of inclusivity and peer support, discouraging ragging practices.

Enhancing Reporting Mechanisms

• To improve accessibility, the UGC anti-ragging helpline should be strengthened, ensuring faster response times and better assistance for victims.
• Additionally, anonymous online reporting portals with direct alerts to the police can provide a safer and more effective means of reporting ragging incidents.

Community and Peer Involvement

• Senior students should be mobilized as mentors to guide and support juniors, fostering a positive and welcoming campus culture. Engaging parents and local communities in anti-ragging initiatives can further strengthen efforts to create a safe academic environment.

Conclusion

• Despite existing legal provisions and Supreme Court guidelines, ragging continues to be a major concern in India’s educational institutions. A comprehensive approach, combining legal enforcement, institutional reforms, technology integration, and cultural change, is crucial for eradicating ragging.
• Strict implementation of laws, alongside student-led initiatives, can help build a safe, inclusive, and ragging-free educational environment across the country.