Karnataka caps government college tours at five days, bars selfies and reels

A government college tour can now last no more than five days, travel included, and students will not be allowed to take selfies or shoot reels during the trip.

The Department of Collegiate Education issued the safety guidelines on September 11 for government first-grade colleges in Karnataka. Principals must brief students on the restrictions before departure, while accompanying faculty have been directed to closely monitor them.

Colleges must secure departmental approval before organising a tour. Their proposals must include student undertakings and formal parental consent; once cleared, the itinerary cannot be altered or expanded to cover unapproved locations. The department has also advised colleges against planning tours during the monsoon.

For visits involving rivers, the sea, waterfalls, dense forests or steep hills, colleges must arrange safety measures in advance. Trekking and swimming can be included only with certified experts and local safety clearance. Local police must be told the tour details and itinerary.

Every trip must have at least one permanent lecturer; guest lecturers cannot supervise a tour on their own. The accompanying teaching team is limited to four and must include two female lecturers and one Group D employee.