Karnataka govt caps educational tours at five days, bans selfies and reels

Government first-grade colleges in Karnataka have been directed to strengthen safety measures during educational tours, with the Department of Collegiate Education prohibiting students from taking selfies or recording reels while on excursions.

The guidelines also limit the total duration of an educational tour, including travel time, to five days.

Principals have been instructed to explain the restrictions to students before the tour begins. Faculty members accompanying the students have also been asked to maintain close supervision throughout the trip.

Colleges must obtain written approval from the Department of Collegiate Education before conducting an educational tour. Tour proposals are required to include undertakings from students as well as formal consent from their parents.

Once an itinerary receives approval, colleges cannot alter it. Students must not be taken to destinations or locations that were not included in the approved tour plan.

The department has also advised colleges against scheduling educational tours during the monsoon season, citing the additional safety risks associated with adverse weather conditions.

Additional precautions have been prescribed for excursions involving potentially hazardous locations.

These include rivers, seas, waterfalls, dense forests and steep or hilly terrain. Colleges have been instructed to make the necessary safety arrangements in advance when such destinations form part of an approved itinerary.

Expert supervision will be mandatory for trekking and swimming activities. Students will be permitted to participate in such activities only when certified experts are part of the tour team and the required local safety clearances have been obtained.

Colleges have also been instructed to inform local police authorities about educational tours. Details of the accompanying police officials and the approved itinerary must be provided to the police as part of the required arrangements.

The guidelines further specify the composition of the faculty and support staff accompanying students. Every tour must include at least one permanent lecturer. Colleges cannot organize excursions under the sole supervision of guest lecturers.

The number of teaching staff accompanying a tour has been restricted to four. The accompanying team must include two female lecturers and one Group D employee.

The restrictions on selfies and reels form part of the department's broader emphasis on preventing avoidable risks during educational excursions.

Principals and accompanying faculty members have been tasked with ensuring that students follow the prescribed safety requirements throughout the trip.

By requiring prior departmental approval, fixed itineraries, parental consent, police coordination and appropriate supervision for high-risk activities, the guidelines establish a more structured framework for educational tours conducted by government first-grade colleges.