To ensure the safety of the students during picnics and trips, the Education Department of Gujarat has formulated guidelines for schools.

Soon after the Diwali vacation concludes, schools across Gujarat prepare for picnic trips as part of the academic year.

However, in view of the Harni boat capsize incident earlier this year, where 12 students and two teachers died by drowning during boating, picnics were prohibited for the schools.

After 10 months of the tragedy, the government has issued guidelines for school educational trips, mandatory for the schools to follow.

Important points from guidelines:

• A committee led by the principal must be formed, with parents’ representatives to include them in decisions regarding logistics, routes, risks, and benefits.
• For picnics within Gujarat, schools will need written permission from the District Education Officer (DEO), District Primary Education Officer (DPEO), or administrative officer for travel within the state.
• If the picnic is outside the state, schools will need permission from the Commissioner of Schools (for Class 9-12) or Director of Primary Education (for Class 1-8).
• In case of foreign trips, schools will need to inform the Education Department 15 days in advance with all details for foreign travel.
• Notify the local police station and Regional Transport Office, 15 days before the trip.
• Appoint an experienced person to oversee the trip management.
• Obtain written consent from the parents.
• Make the trip ‘optional’ and avoid forcing students or parents.
• Do not allow sick students to participate.
• At least 1 teacher for every 15 students on the trip and a female staff member for female students should be appointed.
• Ensure the tour vehicle has a GPS tracking system for safety.
• Avoid activities in water bodies.
• If boating is unavoidable, strictly adhere to boat capacity and provide life jackets for all participants.
• Maintain transparent financial records of the trip.
• Choose a destination after checking government weather updates.
• Follow RTO permit rules, and adhere to the passenger number limit in trip vehicle.
• Have fire safety equipment in the vehicle; train staff, students, and drivers to use it.
•  Students, staff, or drivers must not carry or consume intoxicants or any prohibited materials.

Following the release of the guidelines, numerous reactions emerged, with schools raising questions over the time it took to finalise and issue these guidelines.

The penalties or actions against the school management for not following the guidelines have not yet been cleared.

Also read:

Gujarat govt set to introduce guidelines for school picnics following Harni Lake tragedy