Tamil Nadu: The Directorate of School Education on Friday issued guidelines for co-curricular activities in schools across Tamil Nadu.
Details: Standard integrated guidelines have been prepared with the objective of regulating the various programs conducted in schools to impart scientific concepts and life values to school students. These guidelines will be applicable to all schools functioning under the state syllabus, model schools, and schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education recognized by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
A list of NGOs working in educational activities will be maintained at the state level by the Director of School Education and at the district level by the District Collectors based on the guidelines. NGOs included in this list will not require prior permission to conduct activities such as organizing programs in schools, conducting special training for entrance examinations, etc., provided the relevant information is given to the school administration and the district education department administration. When NGOs not included in the list participate in school activities, they must submit complete details of their program work plan through the District Chief Educational Officer in the district where the school is located.
In the districts, the committee will be chaired by the District Collector and will have 8 members including the District Superintendent of Police, Social Welfare Officer, and District Education Officer. The state-level committee will have 7 members including the Secretary of the School Education Department and various Directors of School Education.
Schools will be allowed to conduct curriculum-related activities without disrupting daily teaching activities. This will be done in the presence of the Head Teacher or a teacher authorized by them, who will have the right to temporarily stop the program if they are dissatisfied.
When various school festivals, art, culture, traditions, traditional celebrations, and festivals are celebrated in schools, the safety of the students should be ensured, and decisions should be made regarding timing, emergency routes, etc. Attention should be paid to harmful lighting, polluting loudspeakers, etc. The festival coordination committee should include teachers, students, and parents from all religions.
The lighting, sound, songs, and speeches in the school program should be dignified. The ceremony coordination committee should ensure that rehearsals are appropriate for all. A master list of those participating as special guests is maintained at the state and district levels. Those not included in these lists must provide complete personal details and obtain prior permission to participate. All prior permissions must be obtained 15 working days in advance. Protocols have also been established for the application review committee.
Guidelines have been created, including safety measures, for educational tourism, field trips, and international travel.
These guidelines are designed to ensure safety in school activities, which contribute to developing students into valuable human resources for society. It is stated that school administrations must strictly adhere to them.
