Add Supreme Court directive to anti-ragging Act: Colleges

City educationists have welcomed the SC's directive against ragging, but have pointed out that unless it is made a part of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Ragging Act 1999, it won't be taken seriously.

"Before implementing the SC directives, the government should amend the Prohibition of Ragging Act 1999 so that the directives are taken seriously," said TA Shiware, principal of Hinduja College of Commerce, Charni Road. The college already has a counsellor and maintains an anti-ragging cell, managed by the senior students.u00a0
B P Sahani, principal of A K Hafkizka Institute of Hotel Management, Fort, echoed Shiware and added, "Apart from appointing a psychiatrist, it is the responsibility of the teachers and the colleges to make sure that all their students are safe."u00a0

u00a0Manju Nichani, principal of KC College in Churchgate, has laid the onus of preventing ragging on the senior students. "We have given the senior students this responsibility. We may appoint a few more psychiatrists and counsellors as necessary."

Indu Sahani, the sheriff of Mumbai and the principal of HR College, Churchgate, approved of the SC's decision and said, "The seniors and the teachers here ensure that we guide the new comers. We see our senior students as mentors."