Educational institutions must show zero tolerance for ragging

Coimbatore, Dec 10: Kerala Governor, Justice P Sathasivam today said ragging in educational institutions has adversely impacted educational standards and has to be curbed with an iron hand and suggested that each institute show zero tolerance for the menace.

Not only students,but also the faculty must be sensitized towards the ills of ragging and prevention, he said in his address to the 26th Convocation of Avanashilingam university for Women here.

Non-teaching staff, which includes those in administration, employees and security guards should also be regularly sensitized towards the evils and consequences of ragging, he said.

As a person hailing from the judiciary it was his duty to inform the young graduates that framers of the Constitution were conscious of giving importance to women and children in the Fundamental Right chapter, he said, adding they provided special provisions against discrimination of women.

The former Chief Justice of India said Courts had upheld the validity of individual measures in the legislation and executive orders favouring women in all fields. Government has provided one-third reservation for women at Panchayat, Municipality level by inserting Article 243 A to 243 O in the Constitution.

Provisions of the Chapter, the Constitution in Part IV under Directive Principles of State Policy mandated all states to frame policy towards women providing right to an adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for equal work.

By virtue of these provisions many States had framed and implemented several welfare measures exclusively for women and children, he said. Sathasivam stressed on three values that all students should cherish and possess in life to be able to succeed.

"Firstly, do what your heart desires; second, be grateful to those people who were with you in all odd times, and last, always challenge yourself," he said.

PTI