A government directive regulating visitors and photography on school premises has prompted objections from the Gujarat Congress, which wants the state government to reconsider the rules and clarify how they will be implemented.
Dr Manish Doshi, media convener and spokesperson of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, has argued that measures intended to protect children should not make it difficult for parents, journalists and concerned citizens to raise questions about conditions in government schools.
The party maintains that student safety and public accountability must go hand in hand, particularly in schools funded by taxpayers.
Teacher Shortages, Damaged Classrooms Among Congress Concerns
Alongside its objections to the circular, the Congress has highlighted gaps in school infrastructure and basic facilities. These include vacant teaching posts, deteriorating classrooms, inadequate toilets, drinking water shortages and concerns over the quality of midday meals.
Doshi has questioned how restrictions on cameras and visitors would resolve these problems. The party argues that improving public education requires practical steps, including recruiting teachers, repairing school buildings and ensuring students have access to essential facilities.
It has called on the government to focus on these needs while framing rules for access to school premises.
Congress Questions Application of Child Privacy Rules
The party has acknowledged the importance of protecting children’s identities, personal information and privacy. However, it argues that such safeguards should not prevent legitimate reporting on the functioning of government schools.
The Congress has also raised questions about the use of students’ photographs during political programmes and publicity activities, asking whether child protection and privacy standards are applied consistently in these situations.
It wants the government to clarify when photography and videography are permitted and what safeguards must be followed when images of students are used publicly.
Parents and Journalists Seek Clarity on Access
The Congress has called for a review of the circular in light of applicable laws and children’s rights. It wants clear guidelines that explain the responsibilities of visitors while allowing reasonable access for reporting matters of public interest.
The party has also sought clarification on the role of parents and School Management Committees, emphasising the need for transparent procedures rather than rules that leave their rights and responsibilities unclear.
Doshi’s position is that protecting students and allowing public scrutiny need not be competing objectives. In the party’s view, appropriately designed safeguards can protect children’s privacy without preventing concerns about school administration from being brought to light.
Opposition Demands Action on School Infrastructure
The Congress has urged the state government to address the problems it has identified in public schools. Its demands include filling vacant teaching positions, appointing sufficient staff in single-teacher schools, repairing damaged classrooms and improving access to clean toilets and safe drinking water.
The party has also called for better-quality midday meals for students.
The dispute raises a broader question for public education in Gujarat: how can schools protect students while remaining open to legitimate public scrutiny?
The Congress wants the government to revisit the circular and establish clear, proportionate rules that protect children without unnecessarily restricting parents, journalists and citizens from raising concerns about public education.
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