Jadavpur University pulled up over ‘generic’ report on student’s death by suicide

The University Grant Commission (UGC) on Thursday declared a report by Jadavpur University (JU), pertaining to the suicide of an undergraduate student, as “generic”.

The UGC’s reaction came on a report submitted by the anti-ragging committee of Jadavpur University on the preliminary findings of its inquiry into the student’s death.

In a letter, addressed to Jadavpur University, the UGC stated that the report submitted before it on August 14, 2023, was examined by the UGC officials and was found to be “generic” in nature, with mentions of the reactive approaches adopted by the university in the case rather than proactive measures taken to curb ragging in the campus of the university.

The UGC also sought a compliance report on 12 queries raised by it and also documentary evidence within a day. The queries pertain to telephone numbers of the anti-ragging helpline and important functionaries of JU responsible for curbing ragging printed on the brochure of the admission/instruction booklet in print or electronic form of the university.

In its letter, UGC also summoned copies of leaflets (which are distributed among the students) containing contact details of the anti-ragging helpline, head of institution, hostel-warden, anti-ragging committee, anti-ragging squad and police officials.

It also questioned the JU about the affidavit signed by the students, which mentions the provisions of the regulations and punishment prescribed for indulgence in ragging.

UGC also sought clarification about an additional affidavit in case the students applied to stay in university or private hostels. It also looked for the additional affidavit signed by the deceased student, Swapnodeep Kundu, and countersigned by his parents to stay in the hostel.