The Rajasthan government has tightened restrictions on the entry of outsiders into government schools, requiring prior permission from the principal and written approval for photography and videography on school premisesm, reports PTI.
The move comes shortly after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced plans to inspect government schools across Rajasthan that it claimed were in poor condition. The government order also comes amid protests at some schools over alleged shortages of teachers and inadequate facilities, with videos of such demonstrations circulating on social media.
According to PTI, CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka said on Sunday that requests had been received from Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Kota, Barmer and Hanumangarh to inspect schools allegedly facing poor conditions.
Hours after the announcement, Director of Secondary Education Lalit Kumar issued a circular outlining restrictions on visitors and the recording of school activities.
Rajasthan School Entry Rules Tightened
The department said the measures were intended to protect students’ safety, dignity, privacy and welfare. It cited Article 21 of the Constitution, a Supreme Court judgment on the right to privacy and guidelines issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
Under the new directions, outsiders cannot enter a government school without prior permission from the principal or head of the institution. Government officials authorised for official duties are exempt from this requirement. Visitors must also record their details in the school’s visitor register.
Outsiders are prohibited from entering classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds, toilets or other areas where student activities are taking place unless accompanied by the principal, teacher or an authorised school official.
Photography, Videography Require Approval
The circular also bars photography, videography, interviews, audio recordings and live streaming involving students, teachers or school activities without prior written approval from the principal. Such activities will be permitted only for lawful purposes.
Schools have been directed to prevent the collection, publication or dissemination of photographs, videos or personal information of students without parental or guardian consent where it could compromise their privacy, dignity or safety.
Principals have also been authorised to deny entry if a visitor’s presence could affect school security, privacy, discipline or the learning environment.
If someone enters without permission, refuses to leave, attempts unauthorised recording or disrupts school functioning, the principal can seek assistance from local police and the district education officer. Depending on the circumstances, action may be initiated under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Information Technology Act and other applicable laws.
The Rajasthan government’s move places greater responsibility on school heads to regulate access to campuses while ensuring the safety and privacy of students.
(with PTI inputs)