KOCHI: Even as there is a recurrence of road accidents involving students, rules such as no study trips at night are being widely ignored. The government order states that there should be no travel from schools between 9 pm and 6 am. Since 2007, the Department of Public Education has issued strict guidelines on what to follow right from planning the trip.

As per law, all schools, including CBSE schools, are required to seek the permission of the DEO by giving details of the journey. In the case of Plus Two, permission from Regional Deputy Director is required. There should be a prior understanding of the specifics and security arrangements of the place to be visited. The schools should also inform about the accommodation, place of visit on each day, time of departure and return etc.

Supervising teachers should ensure that the vehicle does not have any technical faults or overspeeding. They must also ensure that no more than the permitted number of passengers are travelling on the bus. In the absence of the Principal and Head Master, any senior teacher should be present on the bus. The ratio is one teacher for 15 students.

Places that are academically relevant and suit the financial situation of all children should be chosen. The school authorities must come to an agreement with the PTA on matters like itineraries and accommodation.

Other instructions

• School authorities should obtain a consent form from the parents by ensuring that the health condition of the children is satisfactory.
• Ropeways and amusement systems should be avoided as much as possible.
• Concerned authorities should be informed in advance before travelling through forest and water and visiting wildlife sanctuaries. An authorized guide must accompany the students.