Are Two Police Officers Required on Every School Trip in Gujarat?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking move, Gujarat's DGP Vikas Sahay has mandated that every school-organized trip must include two police officers for enhanced safety. This initiative, aimed at fostering trust between students and law enforcement, marks a significant step in ensuring children's safety during educational outings. Discover the implications of this decision for schools across Gujarat.
Key Takeaways
- Two police officers required for every school trip.
- Applies to all types of schools in Gujarat.
- Mandate aims to enhance children's safety.
- Encourages positive relations between students and law enforcement.
- Government allocates Rs 59,999 crore for education.
Gandhinagar, May 30 (NationPress) The Director General of Police (DGP) for Gujarat, Vikas Sahay, announced on Friday that it is now mandatory for two uniformed police officers to accompany every school-organized trip throughout the state.
This regulation is applicable to all types of schools, including government, semi-government, and private institutions.
This decision is a response to significant recommendations made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the 2024 Director General-Inspector General of Police Conference, which highlighted the necessity of safeguarding children during such outings.
Under the new regulations, every school trip—be it a picnic, a tour, or any educational visit—must have two uniformed police personnel present.
In cases where female students participate, it is required that at least one of the accompanying officers is a woman.
To ensure compliance, school principals are directed to work directly with local police stations for the prompt deployment of officers.
The DGP has officially communicated this mandate to the Principal Secretary of the Education Department (Primary and Secondary), urging immediate action from school administrators.
In addition to enhancing security, this initiative aims to strengthen relationships between students and law enforcement.
Officials believe that fostering consistent interactions will build trust and respect, thus promoting a more engaged and cooperative mindset among young citizens.
For the financial year 2024–25, the Gujarat government has earmarked Rs 59,999 crore for the education sector.
This funding will cover primary, secondary, and higher education, including initiatives focused on digital learning and skill acquisition.
There are approximately 44,288 primary schools in Gujarat, comprising government, grant-in-aid, and private entities.
Moreover, thousands of secondary and higher secondary schools are operating in the state.
Out of all primary schools, over 32,000 are government-run, while the remaining are managed by private or semi-government organizations.
Furthermore, the state has observed a continuous increase in private schools, with 495 new institutions approved between 2021 and 2022.
Point of View
I view this initiative as a proactive approach to enhancing safety during school trips. The presence of police officers not only addresses security concerns but also encourages positive interactions between students and law enforcement. This policy reflects a commitment to fostering a safer environment for our future generations, and it’s vital for schools across the nation to adopt similar measures.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are police officers now required on school trips?
The mandate for police officers on school trips in Gujarat aims to enhance children's safety and build trust between students and law enforcement.
How many police officers are required for each trip?
Every school-organized trip is required to have two uniformed police officers present.
What if female students are on the trip?
If the group includes female students, at least one of the accompanying officers must be a woman.
How can schools arrange for police personnel?
School principals are instructed to coordinate directly with local police stations to arrange for timely deployment of officers.
What is the budget allocation for education in Gujarat?
For the financial year 2024-25, the Gujarat government has allocated Rs 59,999 crore for the education sector.
