Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has introduced stricter guidelines regulating the entry of outsiders into state-run schools, with a focus on safeguarding students’ privacy, dignity, safety and academic environment. The move comes amid plans by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convener Ashutosh Ranka to visit government schools across the state under the party’s “School Thik Karo” campaign.
The Secondary Education Department’s directive restricts unauthorised entry, photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and live streaming on school premises. The government said the measures are intended to protect children and ensure that schools remain secure and conducive to learning.
According to the circular, outsiders, except authorised government officials, will require prior permission from the school principal or head before entering the premises. Visitors will also have to record their details in the school register.
The guidelines further state that visitors cannot enter classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds, toilets or other areas where students are engaged in activities unless accompanied by the principal, a teacher or another authorised school official.
Photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and live streaming involving students, teachers or school activities will require prior written permission from the principal and must be undertaken only for lawful purposes. The collection, publication or dissemination of photographs, videos or personal information of students in a manner that compromises their privacy, dignity or safety has also been prohibited.
The government has cited the principle of in loco parentis, under which schools assume certain responsibilities in place of parents, as one of the bases for the restrictions. The department said the guidelines are also aimed at ensuring compliance with school safety policies and directions issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
Under the new rules, principals can deny entry to visitors whose presence could affect security, privacy, discipline or the academic environment. If an unauthorised visitor refuses to leave, attempts prohibited photography or videography, or disrupts school functioning, the principal has been directed to inform the local police and District Education Officer.
The directive also provides for legal action under applicable laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Ranka had said he received requests to inspect schools in Jaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Barmer and Hanumangarh, alleging poor infrastructure and administrative neglect.
While the Opposition criticised the government’s decision, the Rajasthan administration’s guidelines emphasise that protecting children’s privacy and security remains paramount. The restrictions establish a clear protocol for school visits while allowing authorised inspections and lawful activities to continue under proper supervision.
