New academic session commences in DU

New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) With a slew of security measures in place, the Delhi University today began its new academic session.

Scores of freshers crowded the campus as orientation programmes were conducted in most of the colleges.

Elaborate security measures have been made by the university to check ragging and crack down on anti-social elements on the campus.

Delhi University Proctor Gurmeet Singh told UNI that the day passed off smoothly without any complaint of ragging.

''We have not received any complaint of ragging. The suggestion boxes, placed all across the campus, will be opened in the evening,'' he added.

Asserting that freshers will not be harassed, Prof Singh said action will be taken against those found guilty of indulging in ragging, which is a criminal offence.

''Indiscipline and ragging will be dealt with strictly under the University's Statutes and Ordinances, which give legal authority to Principals and Wardens to take preventive as well as punitive action, wherever required,'' he added.

Freshers, eager to start their undergraduate degree courses, were excited about their first day in the University.

''It is fun and freedom after school life. Our senior were very nice to us. We were not ragged but just asked to introduce ourselves.... Lots of song and dance,'' said Saumit Ali, fresher at Ramjas College.

''There is nothing to fear....With such extensive security arrangements nothing was expected also,'' he added.

But some students were apprehensive that they might be ragged and had taken some precautions.

''I dressed down and put lots of oil in my hair for the first day. I was cautioned by friends not to attract any attention,'' said Muskan Kapoor, a fresher in Hindu College.

''But all went off well. My seniors made of fun of my hair,'' she added.

Installation of closed-circuit television cameras, deployment of additional police force and mobile patrol vans and setting up of two Joint Control Rooms had been done to ensure that the freshers are not harassed and discipline is maintained.

Police personnel in plain clothes will also be posted at various locations, including DTC buses, to check ragging.

A few days ago, university officials finalised the security arrangements, at a meeting with police top brass.

''This year we had asked for more police personnel and they are deployed at all strategic locations in North as well as South Campus and hostels,'' the Proctor said.

Police pickets have been set up outside every college with provisions of special assistance to women students, he said.

''Assistance from police will be sought whenever a situation warrants direct intervention by them,'' he added.

Disciplinary committees of every college, including evening colleges, have been activated to monitor the situation and take action on any complaint received.

''Our endeavour is to provide safe and conducive atmosphere for students and we are confident that we will achieve it,'' he added.

The Proctor said police personnel in plain clothes have been deployed in buses and outside colleges, particularly near women's colleges.

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