.:: Central Board of Secondary Education ::.

CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
2,COMMUNITY CENTRE, PREET VIHAR, DELHI-110092.
NO. CBSE/ACAD/VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS/2009 14th July 2009

Circular No: 24
All the Heads of the institutions Aaffiliated to CBSE.

SUBJECT: VIOLENCE AND RAGGING IN SCHOOLS AFFILIATED TO CBSE

Dear Principal, It has been observed that ragging has reared its ugly head in schools and the recent violence reported in a prestigious institution is a matter of shock and grave concern. Ragging is any disorderly conduct whether by words, spoken or written or by an act with the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness any other student. It also involves indulging in rowdy or indisciplined activities which is likely to cause annoyance or psychological harm or apprehension or fear in any student or doing any act or performing something which a student will not do in the ordinary course and may cause shame or embarrassment or adversely affect the physique or psyche of one student by another.

Ragging is manifested in several aspects such as psychological, social, cultural and academic dimensions .Exploiting the relationship which has an inherent power structure such as between a senior and junior student for any of the factors mentioned above will fall under ragging .An act or abuse by spoken words, emails, public insults should be considered within the psychological aspects of ragging. Any act which affects the physical, mental, emotional - health, self confidence or self esteem of a student can be categorized as an aspect of ragging. There have often been incidents of physical and sexual abuse in schools which are brushed under the carpet and not reported even to the parents as it may harm the reputation of the institute. This is a dangerous trend and needs to be stopped immediately.

Once these students are left unchecked, they will grow to plague so ciety, hence it is imperative that any act of bullying or abuse, however small must not be allowed to go unnoticed. Moreover the traumatic aftermath of such an incident on the psyche of the victim cannot be undermined as it may lead to irreversible damage. The onus of preventing any undesirable aspect of ragging rests jointly and individually on all stakeholders which includes the head of the institution, teachers, non teaching staff, students, parents and the local community. A concerted effort by everyone concerned is the need of the hour. The ambience and environment of a school should be warm and amiable where learning can take place meaningfully and students can engage themselves in intellectual, social, physical and cultural pursuits. 

• What Needs To Be Done?

This may be brought to the notice of all the students, teachers and parents.

Regards,
Yours sincerely,
(Vineet Joshi)
Chairman and Secretary