Overview

• The UGC’s July 8 advisory classifies harassment of freshers in informal WhatsApp groups as ragging under existing anti-ragging rules.
• Universities must monitor and report any informal groups where seniors threaten, humiliate or coerce junior students.
• Noncompliance with the directive could lead to strict disciplinary actions, including the withholding of government grants.
• The advisory highlights practices such as forced haircuts, sleep deprivation, verbal humiliation and threats of social boycott as ragging offences.
• UGC officials noted they receive dozens of fresher complaints each year and stressed that student safety on campus is paramount and non-negotiable.