Karnataka bans selfies, reels on college tours

The Karnataka government has implemented strict new rules for educational tours organized by government first-grade colleges. These regulations, issued on September 11, primarily aim to enhance student safety during such excursions. Students are now prohibited from taking selfies or creating reels during the tours, as well as from exceeding a total duration of five days, including travel time, according to the Department of Collegiate Education.

Principals are required to inform students about these restrictions before the commencement of the tour, while faculty members accompanying the students must maintain constant supervision throughout the trip. Colleges seeking to organize these excursions must now obtain formal approval from the Department of Collegiate Education, which includes written consent from both students and their parents. Once the itinerary is approved, it cannot be altered.

Additionally, colleges have been advised to avoid scheduling educational tours during the monsoon season due to safety concerns. For tours involving hazardous locations such as rivers, seas, waterfalls, dense forests, or steep hills, certified experts must be present and all necessary local safety clearances obtained. Adequate safety arrangements must also be made in advance for such tours.

The guidelines require colleges to inform local police about educational tours, providing details of the trip and itinerary. At least one permanent lecturer must accompany every tour, with the team consisting of two female lecturers and one Group D employee. The number of teaching staff accompanying a tour is capped at four. Principals and accompanying faculty members are responsible for ensuring that students adhere to the prescribed rules during the trip.