THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the tragic accident at Vadakkanchery, the education ministry has laid down strict rules regarding school trips. Education Minister, V Sivankutty, said that the rule to avoid night travel while going on school trips must be strictly followed. The travel time must be between 6 am and 9 pm.

There is already a rule that only vehicles approved by the tourism department, which are on the list of tour operators, must be hired for school trips. Also, additional guidelines have been given in the order dated 2nd March 2020.

The minister said that the whole responsibility of any travel rests with the heads of educational institutions. The study tours must be related to the academic subjects of the students. The principal must have detailed information about the trip. Also, the students must be given prior information about the details of the trip.

School trips must not be arranged to dangerous places. Situations that might entice the use of intoxicants by teachers, students, and employees of the vehicle must be avoided. In addition, all the guidelines of the motor vehicle department must be followed concerning the vehicle hired for school trips.