Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Dec 15: November and December are typically months when most schools in Dakshina Kannada district organize educational tours for their students. However, the recent drowning incident involving students at Murudeshwar has led to a halt in such tours. Additionally, the education department has issued directives to prioritize safety during school excursions.

A fake circular, which went viral on social media in the name of the state education department, has created confusion among school administrations. The circular falsely instructed schools to cancel educational tours in light of the Murudeshwar incident.

Clarifying the matter, Dr K V Trilokchandra, commissioner of the school education and literacy department, said, “The education department’s circular has not directed schools to cancel educational tours. However, misinformation on social media has misled school administrations. The education department has advised schools to choose safer destinations for tours. Additionally, all school staff must accompany students. If any untoward incident occurs during the tour, the head of the school or the in-charge of the educational tour will be held accountable.”

DDPI of Dakshina Kannada Venkatesha Subraya Patagara stated, “Many schools in Dakshina Kannada organize tours to Mysuru and north Karnataka, while some even take students to other states. The responsibility of approving school tours has been entrusted to the BEO. We recently issued a circular to all schools.”

School teacher Mohan Bhat commented, “Except for the death of a schoolboy from Mandya at Uppinangady due to an overspeeding bus in 2017, accidents during school educational tours in Dakshina Kannada are very rare. Most schools adhere to safety measures and hire private buses or vehicles for transportation.”

Amita Lavina Moras, a parent, said, “It is not right for schools to cancel educational tours based on a fake circular. At the same time, schools should not take students to dangerous locations for tours. Instead, they should choose safer destinations. Educational tours bring happiness to children and should be an integral part of the school curriculum.”