Event Managers, Health Checks, Weather Alerts Among Key Safety Measures Mandated
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, June 13(DD): The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department has issued a comprehensive advisory directing schools to refrain from organising picnics and excursions on weekends or public holidays, citing concerns over overcrowding and safety risks at tourist destinations.In an official circular, the department emphasized that while such activities form an important part of students’ educational experience, they must be planned in strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety advisories.
To ensure student safety during such visits, the department has laid out detailed guidelines:No Weekends or Holidays:All Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Heads of Institutions (HoIs) have been instructed to avoid planning picnics or excursions on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays, when crowding at tourist spots is at its peak.Event Management Protocols:A senior staff member must be designated as an Event Manager to supervise the entire trip—from departure to return.
This person will also be responsible for coordinating with other government departments when necessary.Coordination with Tourism Department:Schools are required to contact the Directorate of Tourism at least two weeks in advance to facilitate necessary assistance and support for the trip.Safety Checklist:Schools must prepare a detailed safety checklist that includes:Emergency contact information for all students Availability of first aid kits Coordination with the nearest health centres in case of medical emergencies Mandatory health check-ups before departure Multiple student headcounts during transitions Pre-Trip Briefing:Students must be briefed in advance about the itinerary, expected behaviour, and safety measures.
Teachers must remain vigilant throughout the trip and keep the students on track.Restricted Areas:Students are strictly prohibited from accessing vulnerable or dangerous areas such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. Escort teachers must ensure students stay within designated safe zones.Transport Management:The concerned ARTO must be contacted to arrange well-maintained, authorised vehicles with licensed drivers for student transportation.Permissions & Scheduling:For trips within a district, permission must be obtained from the Chief Education Officer (CEO).For inter-district or out-of-district trips, approval from the respective Director of School Education is mandatory.
Fortnightly scheduling of trips will be maintained at the district and directorate levels.Weather and Emergency Preparedness:Schools must follow weather advisories issued by the Meteorology Department and avoid travel during extreme weather conditions. Emergency contact details of parents must be readily available for rapid communication if needed.
This move follows tragic incidents earlier this year. On April 15, the government imposed a complete ban on school and college picnics during weekends after two students were killed and 21 injured when a college bus overturned in Kupwara.Later, on May 28, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that educational institutions would be encouraged to resume excursions at destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam as a signal of normalcy and to rebuild public trust—provided that strict safety protocols were followed.In a further safety push, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo also ordered the installation of CCTV cameras and fire safety equipment in school and college buses.These new guidelines reflect the administration’s renewed focus on safeguarding students during educational and recreational outings while promoting responsible and well-managed excursions across Jammu and Kashmir(DD)