Pune News : Students safety during annual school excursion is mandatory ; schools must follow guidelines

By: Pune Pulse

December 7, 2023

Pune: During the month of December, numerous educational institutions schedule excursions. However, it is crucial for both school authorities and parents to keep in mind and adhere to the safety guidelines provided by the education department for such trips. Authorities emphasized that organizing a school trip is a significant responsibility that teachers undertake. From the moment the students depart until they are safely reunited with their parents, there is a constant sense of stress.

As per the information provided, adhere to all guidelines set forth by the Zilla Parishad and beyond. Before the trip, they should obtain approvals from both the ZP education officer and their management. The school guarantees the use of a state transport bus instead of a private one, obtains written consent from parents, and ensures that parents are aware of the destination for their children.

As per the information received, the students are given a detailed explanation of the trip. Concerned teachers are diligent in counting the students and ensuring that they always stay in a group. Each group of 20 students is accompanied by a teacher. necessary medicines, a first aid kit, and specific medical requirements of the students. Additionally, one teacher is assigned to sit near the driver to monitor adherence to speed limits and ensure that the driver remains alert and abstains from alcohol consumption.

The circular section of the deputy director of education’s website provides access to the guidelines set forth by the education department. Numerous parents have expressed their desire for schools to inform them about all the locations their children will be visiting. Merely stating that the students will be taken to Ratnagiri or Mumbai is insufficient, according to their feedback.

A concerned parent emphasized the importance of the school informing them about the itinerary and various destinations that their children will visit during the trip. This transparency allows parents to make well-informed decisions. While some school agreements state that students are sent under the parents’ responsibility, if the school is organizing the trip, it is the school authorities who hold the responsibility. This aligns with the guidelines provided. Furthermore, the regulations state that principals who arrange tours without permission to places solely for entertainment purposes or those that may pose a safety threat despite their natural beauty will face consequences.