NMC cracks down on ragging in medical colleges; emphasises strict adherence to anti-ragging policies

NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has reminded medical colleges and institutes across the country to curb ragging through strict adherence to anti-ragging measures. This comes in the wake of the recent tragic death of an 18-year-old first-year MBBS student at GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Dharpur.

The incident has drawn attention from the media and the UGC anti-ragging helpline, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety and preventive measures. “Such occurrences highlight the urgent need for stringent implementation of anti-ragging measures to ensure students' safety and well-being,” the official letter read.

NMC noted that it continues to receive complaints regarding ragging involving Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) students. Reports are being received through multiple channels such as the NMC anti-ragging cell (antiragging@nmc.org.in), the UGC anti-ragging helpline, and social media.

As per the official letter, commonly reported acts include disorderly conduct, teasing, coercion, and undisciplined activities. The NMC engages regularly with medical institutions through video conferences to address these concerns.

Compliance lapses identified

Although Prevention and Prohibition of Ragging in Medical Colleges and Institutions Regulations, 2021 have been established, compliance lapses remain a significant concern.

These include inadequate monitoring mechanisms, absence of Anti-Ragging Squads, failure to submit Annual Anti-Ragging Reports, and insufficient steps to eradicate ragging effectively. Such non-compliance undermines the regulatory framework and poses a risk to students' safety and institutional integrity.

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NMC urges strict anti-ragging measures

NMC urges all medical colleges and institutions to:

• Implement robust anti-ragging mechanisms as outlined in the Regulations, 2021.

• Constitute and activate Anti-Ragging Squads to monitor and identify ragging activities.

• Ensure widespread awareness among faculty, staff, and students about anti-ragging policies.

• Submit annual Anti-Ragging Reports in a timely manner.

• Establish a safe and conducive learning environment, free from any form of harassment.

“Non-compliance of these regulations will be dealt with strictly, as per the provisions of the Prevention and Prohibition of Ragging in Medical Colleges and Institutions Regulations, 2021,” the letter read.