What happened with Aman Kachroo in 2009 in a medical college in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra was repeated with J S Siddarthan in a veterinary college in Wayanad in 2023. While Kachroo was beaten to death, Siddarthan was bullied, assaulted and driven to suicide. In this scenario, it is hoped the University Grants Commission (UGC)’s latest guidelines for higher education institutions will curb such delinquent behaviour. The UGC has already up drawn up a number of commendable initiatives, including a round-the-clock toll-free helpline and dedicated email ID for students to complain. The UGC also suggests regular counselling, identification of troublemakers, surprise inspections of hostels, besides infrastructure like CCTV cameras and posters to raise awareness.

Source: Indian Express May 05, 2024 18:48 UTC