‘Apply rules for coaching classes too’

School principals have said that while they are expected to abide by rules laid down by the education department regarding picnics and excursions, coaching classes take students to resorts as a result of which students are reluctant to go for school picnics. Also, they end up spending more for picnics organised by coaching classes. The principals have demanded a uniform rule for both schools and coaching classes with regards to outings.

Prashant Redij of Maharashtra Principals Association said, “While schools and colleges were expected to organise educational excursions by visiting historical places, students are reluctant to go for it and back out on one pretext or the other. However, when the coaching classes’ organises outings that are mostly to resorts, the students go for it willingly and also spend huge amounts for it.”

Professor Narendra Bhambwani, president of the Maharashtra Class Owners Association said, “Resorts are the safest places for picnics as it is a closed environment and proper surveillance can be done on the students. All coaching classes go to resorts to avert incidents similar to the Murud beach tragedy.”

B.B. Chavan, in-charge deputy director of education said that it was not possible to make coaching classes to adhere to the rules that are applicable for schools and junior colleges. “The coaching classes do not come under the purview of the education department and hence rules for schools and colleges cannot be enforced on them,” said Mr Chavan.