SRINAGAR: Against the backdrop of recent incidents of drowning and deaths of children at various picnic spots, the School Education Department on Tuesday issued an order for all private and government schools to seek proper permission from the district administration for picnics.
The Central and North of School Education Department conveyed this message in a communique to all Chief Education Officers of the Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts.
“The recent incidents of drowning and deaths of children in different rivers, Nallahs, and streams at picnic spots in Kashmir have caused sleepless nights for parents, children, and teachers who have approached us for intervention,” stated the joint director.
The officer emphasised the immediate need to address this significant and sensitive issue pertaining to the student community and parents. He stressed the importance of giving top priority to the safety, security, and well-being of tender boys and girls studying in government as well as private schools across various districts of the Kashmir Division.
The communique also mentioned the emerging trend of summer camps and highlighted reports of incidents such as drowning, injuries, eve teasing, molestation, theft, and other crimes during these camps.
“This matter needs to be taken seriously, and a proper modus operandi should be adopted for these Summer Camps up to the 8th or 10th class at least. Additionally, other matters such as overcharging parents should be looked into,” it reads.
The joint director said that, in this regard, all the CEOs and ZEOs concerned are requested to be extra vigilant.
“They need to go the extra mile to check for violations and apprehend those guilty of such illegal practices. They should also sensitise the Heads of the Institutions and Headmasters of private as well as government schools to maintain high standards of professionalism in their respective schools,” it reads.
According to the official communique, the concerned school authorities have been asked to refrain from organising picnics, excursions, outings, and outstation campus trips for school children without seeking proper permission from the CEOs and ZEOs concerned.
“In no case should children below 18 years of age be forced to go on a picnic or obtain consent from parents through undue influence on such innocent children,” the official said.
The communique also stated that the Heads of the institutions and schools should designate 5 to 10 staff members as nodal officers or supervisors to safeguard the students and monitor their to and fro movement from school premises to picnic spots and back to their homes—(KNO).
