The Maharashtra school education department has issued a circular requiring schools to obtain official permission through an affidavit on stamp paper before arranging student picnics. The circular highlights that schools or principals will bear responsibility for any mishaps compromising student safety.
This directive comes after a tragic accident on Tuesday, where a 15-year-old student from Saraswati Vidyalaya, Shankar Nagar, lost her life. The bus en route to a picnic spot in Wardha veered off the road, struck a railing, and fell into a trench. In response, the circular underscored the need for careful selection of picnic destinations, advising against locations near water bodies such as lakes, rivers, or beaches, as well as hilly terrains. It further mandated the use of MSRTC buses for transport and recommended schools keep emergency contact numbers for nearby police stations and hospitals readily available along the route.
Following Tuesday’s tragic accident, several schools have opted to cancel picnics or reevaluate their planning processes. According to local media reports, Rachna Singh, a senior educationist and member of multiple school governing boards, shared, “We have always ensured that permission is obtained from the education department before organizing picnics. On Wednesday, we held a meeting with our principals and decided to pause all picnics for senior students. Instead, we plan to organize on-campus events like camps or musical evenings. For younger children, we are considering local venues such as Bal Udhyan and Raman Science Centre.”
The tragic events of Tuesday have left many parents reluctant to send their children on school picnics. Several parents who had previously agreed to their children’s participation are now withdrawing their consent. A teacher from a CBSE-affiliated school revealed that their upcoming picnic scheduled for November 30 is seeing cancellations, with concerned parents requesting refunds. Many parents feel that schools often shift the burden of student safety onto them through signed consent forms while neglecting essential safety measures.
Priya Bobde, a concerned parent, criticized the growing negligence among drivers, stating, “Many are distracted by mobile phones or fail to follow safety regulations.” Kanta Chelwani, mother of a six-year-old, voiced her hesitation about future school trips, emphasizing the need for thorough route checks, emergency preparedness, and adequate adult supervision. Similarly, Malini Raut, whose 12-year-old was eagerly anticipating an upcoming trip, insisted that schools must prioritize student safety over cost-cutting measures.
She suggested that parents are willing to pay extra if it ensures their children’s safety. Other parents shared similar concerns, emphasizing the need for better vehicle maintenance, first-aid-trained staff, and consistent communication throughout the trip. For some, like Janvi Kale, the fear after such a tragedy is understandable, but she believes confidence can be rebuilt if schools implement strict safety protocols.
Farhana Talat, a teacher and parent, highlighted that children’s excitement during trips can often result in chaotic behavior, making it challenging for drivers to maintain focus.
She stressed the importance of schools conducting pre-trip meetings to set behavior expectations and urged parents to educate their children about safety and responsibility. While parents recognize the educational benefits of school trips, many, like Swati Dongre, believe such experiences should never compromise safety.
New safety guidelines for school picnics:
No picnic near water bodies like sea beaches, lakes, rivers, or hilly regions
Train staff and students to handle emergencies during the picnic
Carry a first aid box with essential medicinal supplies – Get contact numbers of the nearest police station and hospitals near the picnic spot and en-route and keep them accessible
Water sports and adventure activities strictly prohibited for students
Use only MSRTC buses for transport to the picnic location
One teacher for every 10 students must to ensure proper supervision
No additional charges, beyond the stated picnic fees, to be collected from students
Make participation in the picnic optional for students
Parents to provide No Objection Certificate (NOC) along with their contact details for their children’s participation
The presence of female teachers mandatory when girl students are attending the picnic
Teachers must take extra precautions at unmanned railway crossings during the journey
Avoid night travel under all circumstances
The safety of students is the shared responsibility of the principal, teachers, and accompanying staff