The Karnataka government has barred students from taking selfies and shooting reels during educational tours organised by government first-grade colleges, citing safety concerns. The Department of Collegiate Education has also capped the total duration of such tours, including travel, at five days.
The guidelines were issued on September 11 and require principals to brief students about the restrictions before the tour begins. Faculty members accompanying students have been instructed to maintain close supervision throughout the trip, according to a TOI report.
Karnataka college tour rules: Prior approval mandatory
Government first-grade colleges must obtain written approval from the Department of Collegiate Education before organising an educational tour. Tour proposals must include undertakings from students and formal consent from their parents.
Once an itinerary has been approved, colleges cannot alter it. Students must not be taken to destinations or locations that are not included in the approved plan.
The department has also advised colleges against organising educational tours during the monsoon season as part of the safety measures.
Trekking, swimming require certified experts
Additional safeguards have been prescribed for tours involving potentially hazardous locations such as rivers, seas, waterfalls, dense forests and steep hills.
If trekking or swimming forms part of the approved itinerary, students can participate only when certified experts are part of the tour team and the required local safety clearances have been obtained.
Colleges have also been directed to make appropriate safety arrangements in advance when tours involve such locations.
Police must be informed about college tours
The new guidelines also require colleges to inform local police about educational tours. Details of the trip and its itinerary must be provided to the police as part of the safety arrangements.
The department has further specified that at least one permanent lecturer must accompany every tour. Colleges cannot send students on excursions supervised only by guest lecturers.
Karnataka college tours: Staff capped at four
The number of teaching staff accompanying a tour has been capped at four. The team must include two female lecturers and one Group D employee.
The guidelines are part of a broader set of safety measures for educational excursions, with principals and accompanying faculty members responsible for ensuring that students follow the prescribed rules during the trip.
Inputs from TOI
