Tamil Nadu bars political and communal activities on private school campuses

The Tamil Nadu government has amended the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Rules to prohibit political, ideological, and communal activities on the premises of private schools. The change was announced through a government order issued by the school education department on March 2.

Under the amendment, school campuses cannot be used by external individuals or organizations to conduct programs or gatherings that are political, ideological, communal, or divisive in nature. The restriction applies both during school hours and outside regular academic times.

“Land, buildings, and facilities of recognized private schools should be used primarily for academic instruction, co-curricular activities, extracurricular programs, student welfare initiatives, and school functions conducted under the authority of the educational agency,” the order signed by additional chief secretary to the government B Chandra Mohan stated.

Officials indicated that the move is intended to preserve the academic environment of educational institutions and prevent activities that could disrupt learning spaces.

The development follows a similar restriction introduced for government schools in 2024 after an event attended by self-styled religious preacher Mahavishnu triggered criticism.

The latest amendment also comes amid controversy surrounding Sri Saraswathi Vidyalaya, a private school in Cuddalore, which allowed a camp organized by Seva Bharati, an organization linked to a right-wing outfit, during a holiday in December last year. The school had subsequently received a show-cause notice from authorities.

Challenging the notice before the Madras High Court, the school argued that Rule 9(jj) of the Tamil Nadu Recognised Private Schools (Regulation) Rules, 1974, which restricts drills or training by individuals from outside the school, does not apply on non working days.

In its petition, the school alleged that the notice had been issued in the run-up to elections and claimed that government machinery was being used “as an instrument of oppression.”

The matter gained attention as several CBSE-affiliated schools in the state regularly host events and camps organized by external groups.

School education officials said the amendment was not introduced in response to any single case but was meant to establish a clearer regulatory framework.

“The govt wanted to ensure that schools are not disturbed by any non-academic activity,” an official said.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. P Ashok Shankar of the CBSE Schools Management Association welcomed the step. “School is a place where students should understand politics but not do politics,” he said.

However, some school administrators have expressed concerns that the restriction could affect certain activities conducted with outside organizations.

A private school principal in Chennai who frequently hosts such programs said the rule might limit initiatives related to yoga, discipline training, physical development, and community service.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the principal said, “Those conducting the training were not divisive in nature and pose no threat to secularism. Boys from all religions participate in these classes.”