Gujarat govt has apparently grown scared that people will enter schools, film the premises and perhaps expose the fragile state of educational infrastructure. The state education department has introduced strict restrictions on entry, photography, audio-video recording and live streaming across all primary, secondary and higher secondary schools in Gujarat, citing student safety, privacy and data protection.
Under a detailed circular issued by the state government, no outsider will be allowed to enter school premises without prior permission. The rules also restrict unauthorised photography, recording and live streaming of students, teachers and academic activities.
The order is based on the legal principle of In Loco Parentis, under which the state assumes responsibility for students’ safety, dignity, privacy and overall well-being while they are on school premises. The circular refers to Article 21 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India, and school safety guidelines issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
Written permission mandatory for visitors
According to the new rules, every outsider must obtain written permission from the school principal or head of the institution before entering the premises. Government officials visiting schools for official duties are exempt from this requirement.
All visitors must also record their complete details in the official visitor register before entering the school.
The restrictions extend to movement within school premises. Visitors cannot independently enter classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds or washrooms. They must be accompanied by the principal, a designated teacher or an authorised official to access these areas.
Filming and recording restricted
The circular prohibits filming, photography, audio recording, interviews and live streaming involving students, teachers or academic activities without the principal’s prior written consent.
Such permission can be granted only for valid and official purposes. School administrations have also been directed to ensure that students’ personal data, photographs and video footage are not stored or shared in ways that could threaten their privacy or dignity.
Police action for violations
The education department has directed school heads to take immediate action against violations.
If an unauthorised person enters the premises, refuses to leave, attempts unauthorised photography or videography, or creates any disturbance, the school head must immediately contact the local police.
Principals must also promptly inform the local police and the relevant education authorities, including the District Education Officer (DEO), District Primary Education Officer (DPEO), administrative officer or Block Primary Education Officer, to initiate appropriate legal action.
The new restrictions establish tighter controls over who can enter schools, where visitors can go and how images and information related to students and school activities can be recorded or shared.
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