Kathmandu, April 26

In a bid to create a sound academic environment at educational institutions, Nepal Police has launched a nationwide anti-ragging/bullying campaign.

The campaign, which came into effect today, is a part of the Community-Police Partnership programme. Inspector General of Police Sarbendra Khanal, who was attending a provincial-level security symposium in Janakpur of Province 2, addressed a special function organised in Kathmandu to launch the campaign, through video conferencing.

He said cognitive, emotional and educational development of children was possible only in a safe environment of schools and colleges. “This campaign aims at creating awareness among old and fresh students against ragging and bullying, and in ensuring a positive and ideal learning environment at educational institutions. Nepal Police will leave no stone unturned to make the environment safe, both in and outside educational facilities,” he warned.

IGP Khanal pledged to work in association with the academic sector to put an end to ragging and bullying at schools and colleges. Speaking at the function, Nepal Police Spokesperson and Senior Superintendent of Police Uttam Raj Subedi highlighted the recent trend of crimes. He said social deviation, anomalies and malpractices had posed a serious threat to security arrangements in the country.

SSP Basant Kumar Lama, in-charge at Metropolitan Police Range, said police were committed to strictly implementing the campaign.

Dambar Singh Air, principal of KIST College, said the academic sector would cooperate with Nepal Police to create safe teaching and learning environment in schools and colleges.

Activities such as teasing, treating or handling with rudeness a fresher or any other students so as to harm physical and emotional confidence in any form will be strictly prohibited and police will initiate action against the guilty in accordance with the law, according to police. Police warned that such misdemeanour would give rise to a sense of shame or embarrassment in ragging victims.

As part of the campaign, police and community members will jointly organise programmes at schools and colleges and hold interactions with teachers and students. Nepal Police will also post awareness posters and pamphlets on notice boards of each school and college.

Educational institutions under this campaign also include medical and engineering colleges. “Students will read out awareness poster and pamphlet during morning assembly in the presence of police officials. Issues of cyber crime will also be incorporated into the campaign,” stated a press release issued by Nepal Police.