UGC waters down anti-ragging norm

 ‘There is no need for students to submit an affidavit now. But, an undertaking on plain paper must be submitted by the student that s/he will not indulge in any act of ragging’, said Rajendra Prasad, principal of Ramjas college, who is also a member of the committee.

He added the proposal of undertaking will be reviewed for a year. ‘We will review the process for a year. There has been a drastic decline in the number of ragging cases in the last one year and hence we took the decision’, said Prasad. He said the undertaking will serve the same purpose as the affidavits. ‘Both will serve good in the court. The only difference is that the undertaking will not be notarised. Moreover, it will also save students from with lengthy process of getting the affidavits signed’, said Prasad.

‘An affidavit is a sworn affirmation given before court. If violated, it is a case of contempt of court. The court will initiate legal proceeding and one can be jailed for that. However, an undertaking is an agreement between two parties and at best an indemnity bond. If violated, it can at best invite a fine,’ said Manish Kumar, a Supreme Court advocate.