Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jun 14: The School Education Department (SED) today directed all schools to avoid scheduling picnics and excursions on weekends and public holidays in view of overcrowding at tourist destinations.
The department has also issued a detailed set of guidelines to ensure student safety during such outings. A circular issued in this regard, stresses that while picnics and excursions are important parts of the curriculum, they must be conducted in strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and advisories.
“Days of visits, picnics and excursions on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays must be avoided due to overcrowding at tourist destinations to avert any untoward incidents,” it reads.
Schools have been instructed to appoint a senior official as an event manager to supervise all aspects of the trip, from departure to safe return, and to coordinate with other departments as needed.
Key guidelines include contacting the Directorate of Tourism at least two weeks in advance, maintaining a detailed school trip safety checklist, ensuring emergency contact information for all students, carrying First Aid kits, conducting pre-trip health checks, and performing regular headcounts.
Teachers, as per the directives, are required to brief students in advance about the itinerary, safety measures, and behavior expectations. It stated that students must be restricted from visiting potentially dangerous spots like rivers, lakes, ponds, or streams and escorting teachers must ensure that students remain in safe areas and avoid risky activities.
For transport, it has been directed that the concerned ARTO must be approached to provide authorized, roadworthy vehicles and licensed drivers.
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