In 2025, who has directed higher education institutions to monitor any informal WhatsApp groups created to harass juniors?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
University Grants Commission (UGC) -
In 2025, the UGC (University Grants Commission) issued a new guideline in response to the changing nature of ragging.
Under this, all higher education institutions (HEIs) were directed to monitor informal WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms, which are often used to harass junior students or engage in 'cyber ragging.'
Key points of this UGC guideline:
Role of Anti-Ragging Cells: Colleges have been asked to further activate their anti-ragging committees and monitor activities in the digital space.
Complaint Redressal: Students have been encouraged to immediately report any abusive content or threats they encounter in a WhatsApp group.
Zero Tolerance: UGC has clarified that harassment through digital means will also be considered as 'ragging' and strict action (like suspension or expulsion) will be taken against students if found guilty.