UP assembly passes anti-ragging bill

Lucknow, Dec 6 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh assembly today passed the long awaited Uttar Pradesh Educational Institutes Prevention of Ragging Bill 2007, thus making ragging a criminal offence with a maximum punishment of two-year imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 10,000.

The bill was passed in the house without any debate with members of the BJP opposing it saying that it was brought in a hurry by the government.

The state legislative council is also expected to pass the bill this evening.

Under the new Ragging Prevention Act, students found prima facie guilty, would be rusticated from the institution immediately and will not be admitted in any other institute for five years.

Earlier on Monday, the state cabinet had approved the draft bill for a complete ban on the ' social evil'.

The Act will make it mandatory for the concerned principal to initiate inquiry within seven days of recieving a complaint of ragging from a student, his parents or a teacher.

Following legal action, the accused can be jailed for upto two yeas and slapped with a fine of upto Rs 10,000. The rusticated student can appeal against the decision of the institution before the divisional commissioner within 30 days.

The new Act has also proposed stern action against the principal, if he/she fails to take action on the complaint of the victim or his parent/guardians.

UNI