Mobile app to check ragging in Lucknow University

Lucknow: As Lucknow University (LU) gears up for running a smooth academic session that began on July 16, its much awaited anti-ragging mobile phone application has finally been updated for use by students.
With multiple options of reporting indiscipline with video, sound, photo, SMS, text and an SOS call option that directly connects to the proctor's number, the application has started attracting traction with around 500 downloads ever since its upgradation this month.Taken up by the university as a project last year, 'Rakshak LU' was designed by the then chief proctor Prof Manoj Dixit with work starting on it during his tenure. A test run was done on July 25 and it was rolled out for use in August. 'Rakshak LU' was then the first such venture by a state university to curb student apprehensions about ragging incidents or any other deviant behaviour on campus.
Moving ahead of text and call options, the app now involves recording video and audio clips, along with making a database of important student particulars such as blood group, Aadhar card number, enrolment to university and emergency contact person to be ready in times of unwanted situations. "It was decided to make the functioning easier and strengthen it. Students are being requested to download the application from playstore on their android phones and register for a secure time on campus," said Prof Nishi Pandey, current chief proctor, LU. P 3
"A new logo symbolising an aspect of ethnicity was also taken up in the form of swords for the app," she added.
Under the 'Text report' head students will now get the option to report details of any harassing situation they undergo on campus under secrecy, to the anti-ragging helpline or to the proctor. Video recording allows a 30 second recording of scene and a 60 second sound recording option, all available on a single button service.
The app also uses GPS facilities to send student location to officials in a crisis situation. A list of important numbers including that of police officers of nearby police stations, women helpline, district magistrate and SSP Lucknow, proctorial board of LU and Arts college, women grievance cell among others has also been linked with the application.