PANJIM: Applauding the State
administration for zero incidents of ragging, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha raised
serious concerns about drug consumption in educational institutions.
“I express my concern over
the problem of drug consumption in educational institutions in the State. There
is need to have proper counseling for the students,” the Governor said
addressing the 8th meeting of the State Level Anti-Ragging
Monitoring Cell on Thursday.
Sinha, who chaired the
meeting, said there is need to study why there were no ragging cases in Goa
compared to other parts of the country.
Stressing on the need for a counseling
centre for students, the Governor suggested that to cope with the shortfall of
counselors, institutions should select senior students for the purpose.
During the meeting, Higher
Education Secretary Nila Mohanan said that high level of constant monitoring
and preventive measures helped achieve zero incidents of ragging. “We have
constituted anti-ragging committees in North and South Goa and orientation
programme for new students in colleges are being held,” she said.
Goa University Vice
Chancellor Prof Varun Sahni said that the word ‘freshers’ should be banned from
the lexicon and instead terminology such as new students be opted for.
Sahni also raised concerns
about drinking around the University campus wherein outsiders come in the
evenings to drink and it’s difficult to manage the situation due to lack of
required security.
Director General of Police Dr
Muktesh Chander along with representatives of various educational institutions
and Goa Medical College and Hospital were present for the meeting.
