Rajasthan govt schools bar unauthorized entry, restrict media access without permission

The Rajasthan Education Department has issued new guidelines regulating the entry of outsiders, including media personnel, into government schools. Under the directives, photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and live streaming involving students or school activities will require prior permission from the school principal or head of the institution.

According to an order issued by the Director of Secondary Education, Lalit Kumar, on Sunday, no outsider will be permitted to enter school premises without prior approval from the principal or authorised school authorities. Visitors will also be required to make an entry in the school’s visitor register. As per the order, every visitor must make an entry in the register. All visitors must record their details in the visitor register before entering the school.

Outsiders will not be permitted to enter classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds, restrooms or other areas where student activities are taking place unless accompanied by the principal, a teacher or another authorised school official.

Also, prior permission is required for photos, videos and live streaming. Photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and live streaming involving students, teachers or school activities cannot be carried out without the principal’s prior written permission.

The order also prohibits the collection or dissemination of students’ photographs, videos or personal information in any manner that could compromise their privacy, dignity or safety.

If anyone enters the school without permission, refuses to leave the premises, attempts unauthorised photography or videography, or disrupts school activities, the principal has been directed to immediately inform the local police and the District Education Officer.

Depending on the circumstances, action may be initiated under applicable laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO), Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Information Technology Act, 2000.

The principal may deny entry to any visitor whose presence is considered a potential threat to school security, student privacy, discipline or the academic environment. Where necessary, an outsider may also be removed from the school premises with the assistance of the local police.

The Education Department has directed all supervisory officers and heads of institutions to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines.

The department has emphasised that student safety and privacy must remain the top priority and instructed schools to enforce the provisions rigorously.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by Education Post)