Student safety takes centre stage: Education dept. issues strict guidelines for school and college events

The Department of Public Instruction has released a comprehensive circular mandating safety measures for students during government programmes, national celebrations, and all school and college events.

In a significant move aimed at strengthening student safety, the Department of Public Instruction has issued a fresh circular laying down mandatory guidelines for all schools and colleges. The order applies to government programmes, national festival celebrations, and all cultural, administrative and academic events conducted by educational institutions.

The department has clearly instructed that every school and college must strictly follow these safety norms without exception.

Safety during flag hoisting and public events

As per the circular, special care must be taken during flag hoisting ceremonies. Educational institutions have been directed to ensure that no electrical wires pass near flag poles. Children must not be used for hoisting or lowering the flag under any circumstances. In case the flag gets stuck unexpectedly, students should never be asked to climb the pole.

Event venues and student movement

Authorities have been asked to regularly inspect parade routes, cultural programme stages and seating arrangements to ensure they are structurally safe for students. Continuous monitoring of these areas has been made mandatory.

Transport safety measures

Strict instructions have been issued regarding vehicles used to transport students to and from programmes or competitions. Institutions must verify vehicle conditions, ensure drivers follow speed limits and confirm that drivers are not under the influence of alcohol. Overloading vehicles beyond their permitted capacity has been strictly prohibited.

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Electrical and fire safety

Event organisers must ensure that there is no electric leakage at programme venues. Electrical wiring should be installed in a way that prevents contact with students or the public. Special care must be taken to prevent rainwater or any other water source from coming into contact with electrical lines.

To prevent fire accidents, gas cylinders and stoves used at venues must be regularly inspected and monitored.

Food and drinking water safety

Institutions have been instructed to check the cleanliness and quality of food, drinking water and beverages provided to students. Entry of children into food preparation areas must be strictly restricted.

Parking and crowd management

Clear signboards for parking must be installed, and vehicle parking arrangements should be made at least 100 metres away from event venues to ensure safety and smooth movement.

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Emergency preparedness and coordination

Students must be made aware of precautionary steps to handle unexpected situations. Senior students and teachers should be trained to respond to emergencies. Local authorities have been asked to closely monitor child safety.

Organisers must mandatorily inform the local police, medical services, fire department and local administration about student-related events and ensure they remain on alert to respond to any emergency.