Event Managers, Health Screening, and Weather Monitoring Among Key Measures Ordered
Aazan Manzoor | JKNS | Srinagar | June 13:
The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department has issued a fresh set of guidelines aimed at ensuring student safety during school outings. Schools have been instructed to avoid scheduling picnics or excursions on weekends and public holidays to prevent overcrowding and minimize risks at popular tourist destinations.
According to an official circular accessed by JKNS, the department stressed that while excursions are an essential part of students’ overall development, they must be planned in strict accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety advisories.
Key Guidelines Issued:
No Weekend Trips: All Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Heads of Institutions (HoIs) are instructed to refrain from organizing trips on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays to prevent student exposure to overcrowded spots.
Event Management: Schools must appoint a senior official as Event Manager to supervise the entire trip—from departure to return—ensuring student safety and coordination with other departments if required.
Prior Coordination with Tourism Dept: Institutions must inform the Directorate of Tourism at least two weeks in advance for logistical support and coordination.
School Trip Safety Checklist:
Maintain emergency contact information for each student.
Carry First Aid Kits throughout the trip.
Ensure students undergo basic health screening before departure.
Conduct a headcount before and during transitions between locations.
Conduct a pre-trip briefing covering itinerary, safety instructions, and behavioral guidelines.
Avoid Dangerous Areas: Students must be restricted from rivers, lakes, ponds, or other vulnerable areas. Teachers must ensure all activities take place in safe zones only.
Transport Arrangements: Authorized, well-maintained vehicles must be used. The concerned ARTO must be contacted to facilitate transportation with valid, licensed drivers.
Permission Protocols:
For trips within the district, permission must be obtained from the Chief Education Officer.
For trips outside the district, the Director of School Education is the approving authority.
Fortnightly schedules of all such trips must be maintained and reported.
Monitor Weather Conditions: Institutions are to strictly follow weather advisories from the Meteorology Department and avoid trips during harsh weather conditions.
Emergency Communication: Schools must have readily available contact details of parents/guardians to ensure quick communication in case of emergencies.
Background:
These measures come in the wake of a tragic accident on April 15, when a college bus overturned in Kupwara, killing two students and injuring 21 others. In response, the government imposed a complete ban on school and college outings on weekends and public holidays.
On May 28, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah encouraged schools to resume trips to destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam as a sign of normalcy, provided strict safety measures are followed. Additionally, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo directed institutions to install CCTV cameras and fire safety equipment in school buses to further enhance student safety.
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