School Fitness Certificates: NOCs Dropped!

The state government has revised the guidelines for issuing fitness certificates to schools, simplifying the process significantly. A recent circular from the General Education department has removed the mandatory requirement for schools to obtain no-objection certificates (NOCs) from five specific departments. This rollback addresses the impracticalities previously cited by school authorities and teacher organizations.

Previously, schools needed NOCs from the electrical inspectorate, Fire and Rescue Services, Health department, Forest and Wildlife department, and Motor Vehicles department. A monitoring committee was also proposed to ensure student safety. However, the new circular designates local government institutions as the primary issuing authority for fitness certificates.

An assistant engineer and the health wing of the Local Self Government department will now conduct inspections based on a revised checklist. While school buildings and premises will be assessed by these local bodies, fitness for school vehicles must still be obtained separately from the Motor Vehicles department. The Director of General Education will oversee the formation of safety committees as stipulated by earlier guidelines.