Bengaluru, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Karnataka College Education Department has issued strict guidelines for academic tours organised by Government First Grade Colleges across the state, prohibiting students from taking selfies, recording videos and making reels during such trips.
According to a circular issued by the Office of the Commissioner on Saturday, colleges must obtain prior permission from the department before organising any academic tour. Institutions have been directed not to conduct tours without approval.
Colleges have also been asked to submit tour proposals along with undertakings from students and their parents. Students must be informed about the guidelines before the tour begins.
Lecturers accompanying students have been instructed to monitor them and ensure strict compliance with the directions. Students have also been barred from visiting places other than those approved by the department as part of the academic tour.
The circular places particular emphasis on the safety and security of girl students. Colleges have been directed to make necessary security arrangements throughout the tour. In the event of any untoward incident concerning the safety of girl students, the concerned lecturer and principal would be held responsible, the department said.
The department has warned that violations of the guidelines will invite strict action.
The directions come amid several incidents involving selfies and social media videos. Recently, a 52-year-old Bengaluru businessman died near Karabagere Lake after reportedly stepping out of his vehicle to take a selfie with a wild elephant, which charged at and fatally injured him.
In another incident, three medical interns from the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences drowned in the Vishweshwara Canal in Hulivana village while reportedly attempting to take selfies near strong water currents.
A 20-year-old student also died after slipping into a farm pond in Vadageri village while shooting a video for social media.
In a separate incident, a youth was critically injured after falling from a cliff at Charmadi Ghat in Belthangady taluk while reportedly taking a selfie. The incident was captured on video and circulated on social media.
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