Child rights panel drawing up SOPs for school excursions after Murudeshwar tragedy

BENGALURU: The state government is expected to come out with new rules related to schools taking students on excursions. This follows the deaths of four girls students of a government residential school at the Murudeshwar beach recently.

Following the incident, the Child Rights Commission is holding several rounds of discussions on chalking out standard operating procedures (SoPs). Among the proposals including securing prior permission from the Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) before embarking on excursions.

Other proposals including informing the local police where the students will be visiting, informing students of potential dangers at places like lakes, beaches, hills, etc, one teacher keeping a watch over every 10 children and scrutiny of the place of lodging, especially where girl students are involved.

Child Right Commission chairperson Naganna said the SoPs will apply to both private and government institutions. “This is being done to ensure the safety of schoolchildren. We had a meeting with all the stakeholders and it was felt that an SoP is essential. Children should be made aware about the vehicle arrangement and the place where they are visiting and the potential dangers. Before setting out on an excursion, an action plan should be prepared and approval sought from the officials concerned. The local police station should also be kept informed”.

“When the excursion party is staying at any place overnight, arrangements for girl children and boys should be considered. No untoward incidents should occur during school excursions and the school authorities should ensure that”, he added.