Ahmedabad: From anonymous complaint boxes and QR-code forms to faculty mentors and dedicated helplines, medical colleges in Ahmedabad are strengthening mechanisms to encourage students to report ragging and other forms of harassment without fear of being identified.At BJ Medical College, a complaint box has been installed near the entrance, allowing students to anonymously report instances of ragging or other concerns. A circular issued by the college on Sept 5 said the measure was aimed at strengthening efforts to maintain a ragging-free campus.Dr Minakshi Parikh, the dean, said senior college officials also meet freshers to brief them on the safeguards available. “The complaints remain anonymous and can be about issues beyond ragging. We have also provided dedicated email channels for students to report their concerns. The anti-ragging committee will examine complaints and take swift action,” she said.The measures assume significance after the death of a first-year postgraduate student in Surat renewed debate over harassment within hospitals and medical educational institutions.At NHL Municipal Medical College, students can scan a QR code and submit complaints anonymously. Dr Cherry Shah, the dean, said the channel is not restricted to ragging and can also be used to flag problems related to water, electricity and housekeeping.Narendra Modi Medical College has introduced a mentorship programme under which senior faculty members closely engage with the new batches. “The idea is to build a community and inspire trust. We have also taken initiatives to ensure the mental well being of our students,” Trivedi said.Dr Jignasa Bhalodia, dean at GMERS Medical College, Sola, said the institution follows NMC guidelines and has a suggestion box, dedicated phone numbers and a committee to investigate complaints of harassment. “Students are apprised of these measures on the first day of joining, and contact details are kept on display,” she said.University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced regulations to curb ragging in institutes of higher education, prescribing preventive and punitive measures. Medical colleges are also required to have anti-ragging mechanisms in place and sensitise students, particularly when new batches join.College officials said, however, that creating reporting channels is only part of the challenge. Formal and informal complaints remain few, with students often reluctant to speak up for fear of being singled out.Officials said building trust in these mechanisms, and assuring students that raising a complaint will not expose them to further harassment, remains crucial.
