The Gujarat Education Department has issued new guidelines for traveling with school children. After the Vadodakhani boat incident that killed 12 children a few months ago, the Gujarat education department ordered all schools not to take school children on tourist activities until the education department issues guidelines, which should be banned.
According to guidelines issued by the education ministry, if schools in Gujarat want to take children on tours, then they have to form a committee including parents and provide information about the tours to the district education officer, government authorities and district primary schools . Beyond this, no student or parent will be forced to participate in the trip.
Before taking school children to visit, administrators must adhere to the following rules:
- A committee must be formed, chaired by the principal, and include parent representatives.
- If the school visit is within the state, the district education officer, government agency, district education officer, commissioner’s office must be informed.
- If the trip is organized abroad (i.e. abroad), the education department in Gandhinagar must be informed 15 days before the trip.
- Tourist information must be provided daily.
- By appointing an experienced person as convener, it will be ensured that the trip starts and is completed as planned.
- Students participating in the trip must meet with their parents to provide them with information about the trip and obtain their consent.
- If the parent is unable to attend the meeting, written consent must be obtained through the student.
- Tours are optional and students or parents are not forced to participate.
- Fifteen students will participate in the trip with a teacher.
- Students who are sick, physically or mentally infirm, have any allergies, or are unable to participate in the tour will not be allowed to participate in the tour.
- If female students attend, they must be accompanied by a female member of staff.
- By holding meetings with students taking the trip, they must provide information on what to do and what not to do, and must make plans for the student’s safety.
School management must adhere to the following rules during their visit:
- Travel must be planned according to weather conditions and a medical kit must be carried with you.
- Tours must be carried out in a vehicle with GPS tracking. Only start the trip after checking that the driver is not an alcoholic.
- The vehicle needs to be licensed by RTO. No more people than allowed will be allowed to travel.
- Copies of RTO permit, RC book, driving license and insurance for the vehicle used during the trip must be obtained in advance.
- Vehicles must travel within the speed limit.
- Care must be taken to ensure that no one, including the driver, consumes alcohol during the trip.
- Vehicles used for tours must be fire safe. There should also be information about its use and staff and students should be aware of it.
- Warnings for floods, cold waves, earthquakes, unusually cold/hot weather, and storms should be kept in mind when organizing tours.
- Boating and riding on the reservoir must be avoided during your visit. If you will be boating or riding a horse, you should not exceed capacity. Each group will be assigned a teacher and equipped with life jackets.
- While traveling, it is important to keep your distance from adventure rides and campsites.
- You must choose a safe place during the night and be there before 10 pm.
- There should be a safe place to stay overnight and full food arrangements should be made.
- Driver, support staff and student ID cards must be submitted.
- Decisions must be made thoughtfully for the safety of students, taking into account the time and circumstances during travel.
