Kerala govt issues new directives for campus fests; permission, safety audit mandatory

The Kerala government has issued comprehensive directives for conducting fests and celebrations across college and university campuses in the State. The order comes in light of the stampede at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) that resulted in the death of four people last December.

The unfortunate incidents happened during Techfest celebrations at Cusat. Following the mishap, the government established a committee to draft guidelines preventing such incidents and ensuring campus functionality.

As per the committee's report, the government has issued the following guidelines:

•   All campus events, including union activities, must obtain prior permission from the institution's head, with details submitted at least five working days in advance. Communication should include programme details, guests attending, source of funds expenditure estimates etc. A 'Discipline Committee' should monitor and supervise the celebrations in the college.
• Student union activities should be supervised by a panel chaired by the institution's head.College union offices must operate within specified hours, with possible extensions granted by the institution's head during celebrations.
• All students are required to wear identification tags within the campus.
• No vehicles are allowed during celebrations within campus premises.
• Students' vehicles are restricted to designated parking areas, with security provided by college authorities.
• Whenever possible, campus and hostel security should be entrusted to ex-service personnel.
• Separate committees for boys' and girls' hostels, chaired by the institution's head, must oversee hostel operations.
•  Vigilance committees must address complaints promptly, with security personnel stationed near entry gates.
• CCTV cameras should be installed in selected common areas for enhanced surveillance.

External agency or professional group programs, including musical events, are allowed on campus or nearby under strict conditions:

 1. Detailed information about the event must be provided to the Head of the Institution at least five working days in advance. Permission will be granted by the Head of the Institution in consultation with the Institutional Risk Management Committee (IRMC).

 2. Teaching faculty members must be present during the event to ensure its smooth conduct.

 3. Police and Fire & Rescue Force personnel must be present and supervised by the Head of the Institution.

 4. Essential facilities such as medical teams, ambulances, crowd management, and disaster management facilities must be arranged at the venue.

An Institutional Risk Management Committee (IRMC) will be formed for regular audits and mitigation measures to address potential disasters. Higher Education Institutions must also for develop comprehensive disaster management plans, including evacuation procedures, communication protocols, and stockpiling of emergency equipment.

The guidelines also include detailed instructions outlining the conduct of programmes, including crowd management, emergency response, and security measures for both closed auditoria and open spaces. In addition to safety protocols, students will receive training for disaster management roles, while staff will undergo disaster risk reduction training. These measures aim to enhance safety and functionality across educational institutions in Kerala, ensuring a conducive environment for learning and growth while prioritizing student well-being.