T.N. School Education Dept. lays down SOP to conduct school functions

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has released Standard Operating Procedures to conduct tours, forum discussions, and functions at schools, which also specifies who can be invited to these events. The guidelines have mandated that schools must choose from a pre-approved master list maintained by the department. These guidelines are applicable to all category of schools functioning in Tamil Nadu, including those under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and other departments.

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has released Standard Operating Procedures to conduct tours, forum discussions, and functions at schools, which also specifies who can be invited to these events. The guidelines have mandated that schools must choose from a pre-approved master list maintained by the department. These guidelines are applicable to all category of schools functioning in Tamil Nadu, including those under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and other departments.

In September, after two government schools in Chennai had come under fire for inviting a spiritual speaker, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had directed the department to issue guidelines promoting progressive and scientific values through programmes organised in schools.

In addition to the master list, another one will be maintained at the district-level. Non-governmental organisations on the list must inform the school district education authorities regarding the activity 15 days in advance.

In cases where NGOs not on the list wish to participate, they would have to submit a detailed concept of their programme, including the purpose of the project, time frame, and outcome to the district committee through the District Chief Education Officer. In order to ease this process, an online portal will be set up for the submission and approval of these proposals.

A State-level and district-level committee will be formed, with the School Education Secretary as chairman for the State-level committee and Collector as chairman for the district committee. The committees will also include the Superintendent of Police, District Social Welfare Officer, Differently-abled Welfare Officer, Child Welfare Officer, and Education Officer.

Further, in cases where individuals are being invited for various functions organised by schools, the applications will be reviewed by another panel formed at the district level and then submitted to the Chief Education Officer. Thereafter, it would be processed within three days of the Intelligence Unit of the District Police Department reviewing the speaker.

The headmaster of the school should be present at the event and ensure that the speakers and NGOs follow the conditions laid down by the government.