The state government has issued a circular that clarifies the norms for obtaining medical fitness certificates for schools before the start of the new academic year.
The circular, issued by the general education department following a meeting between the chief secretary and district collectors on Wednesday, scraps the condition of obtaining no-objection certificates from five departments for issuing medical certificates to schools. This provision was set out in the Ministry of Health’s Circular on School Safety and Security Guidelines issued in November last year.
These departments, as mentioned in the previous circular, are: the Electrical Inspectorate under the Department of Energy; Fire and rescue services; Health Department; Department of Forests and Wildlife; and Department of Motor Vehicles. According to her, a monitoring committee should be established at the school level to ensure the safety of students. The committee should include the Headmaster, Principal, PTA representatives, Teacher/Non-Teacher representatives, Choir member and representatives of the above departments. In addition, committee members should confirm the safety standards checklist and school eligibility application.
However, school authorities have cited the impracticality of implementing these guidelines. Teachers’ organizations have also raised the issue.
According to the latest circular, Eligibility Certificates will be issued by local government institutions. The Assistant Engineer of the Local Government Department and its Health Department will inspect the buildings and premises of the school and verify the components of the revised checklist.
The Certificate of Eligibility will be issued by the local government department for school buildings based on the completion of the checklist.
Fitness for school vehicles must be obtained separately from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The director of general education will ensure that the schools take steps to form the committees mentioned in the health department circular, the latest circular said.
Published – 14 May 2026 21:11 IST
