KERALA ANTI RAGGING CLUB GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND STUDENT SAFETY:
The Circular No. HSE/11319/2025/ACD-C5 dated 23/01/2026 outlines the formal guidelines for establishing and operating Anti-Ragging Clubs in Kerala schools, specifically focusing on the Higher Secondary sector.
Objective and Vision
The primary goal is to build a ragging-free academic environment by instilling democratic values, tolerance, and empathy in students.
Prohibit any conduct (spoken, written, or physical) that teases, treats, or handles students with rudeness.
Create an atmosphere of discipline by sending a clear message that ragging is strictly prohibited on campus.
Raise awareness about the legal and psychological consequences of ragging.
- Ragging is defined as any act—within or outside the institution—that causes physical or psychological harm, fear, shame, or embarrassment.
This includes:
Abuse: Physical, sexual, or verbal abuse, and forcing lewd acts or gestures.
Academic Exploitation: Forcing freshers to complete academic tasks for seniors.
Financial Extortion: Forceful expenditure or extortion of money from students.
Cyber Bullying: Abuse through emails, social media posts, or public insults.
Club Structure and Responsibilities
Committee Composition: Headed by the School Principal, the committee includes faculty members, representatives of parents, students (both seniors and freshers), and local police administration.
Anti-Ragging Squad: A dedicated team nominated by the Principal to conduct surprise checks in vulnerable areas like hostels, canteens, and playgrounds.
Mentoring Cell: Assigning faculty advisors to small groups of students to provide regular guidance and a safe space for reporting issues.
Punitive Measures
Ragging is a cognizable and non-bailable offence under Kerala law.
Institutional Actions: Immediate suspension, cancellation of admission, or expulsion from the institution and hostels.
Legal Actions: Filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the police, which can lead to imprisonment for up to two years and fines.
Financial Penalties: Fines up to ₹10,000 to ₹25,000
. Debarment: Students expelled for ragging may be barred from admission to any other institution for up to five years.
Safety Protocols for Schools
Leaflets and Prospectus: Schools must provide all new students with printed leaflets containing emergency contact numbers and the full anti-ragging guidelines.
Affidavits: Both students and parents must sign mandatory undertakings/affidavits at the time of admission.
24/7 Monitoring: Schools must be vigilant and address complaints within 24 hours to determine if a criminal case needs to be filed.
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