The Jammu and Kashmir Government has imposed a complete ban on picnics organised by schools and colleges on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, as part of enhanced safety measures for students. The order was issued by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, during a high-level review meeting held at the Civil Secretariat on Monday.
In a detailed directive, the Minister instructed that all Higher Secondary and High Schools must seek prior permission for picnics from the concerned Chief Education Officer (CEO), who shall maintain records and grant approvals accordingly. Middle Schools and institutions below that level are required to obtain permission from the respective Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), with prior intimation to the CEO.
For school picnics outside district limits, approvals must be sought from the Director of School Education. Colleges intending to organise excursions or picnics must follow a similar mechanism through the office of the Director Colleges.
The directive follows the assessment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding outdoor student activities, and comes amid rising concerns over student safety.
Earlier in the meeting, Sakeena Itoo chaired a comprehensive review of existing traffic regulations to ensure the safety of school and college-going students across Jammu and Kashmir. She called for the installation of CCTV cameras in all school buses, including private ones, and emphasised the need for strict adherence to fitness checks, fire safety tools, and valid documentation for vehicles transporting students.
The Minister voiced concern over the rise in road accidents and called for robust action against over-speeding, stunt biking, licence violations, and drunken driving—especially among youth and juveniles. She instructed transport and police departments to hold parents accountable for misconduct involving underage riders and ensure enforcement of the “no helmet, no fuel” rule through joint checking squads.
Sakeena Itoo also directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Education) to launch an in-depth enquiry into the recent Handwara College bus accident and asked the Director Colleges to conduct fresh driving tests for all college bus drivers.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including the Additional Chief Secretary, Education, Shantamanu; Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Secretary, Transport Department, Niraj Kumar; DIG Traffic Jammu Zone, Transport Commissioner, Directors of School Education Kashmir and Jammu, RTOs, CEOs, ARTOs, and other concerned officials, both in-person and via video conferencing.
Concluding the session, the Minister urged all departments—health, education, transport, and police—to coordinate efforts, conduct regular safety drills, and raise awareness regarding student transportation and road safety protocols.