Rajasthan schools restrict outsider entry, photography and recording without permission

Citing the need to protect students’ privacy, dignity and safety, the Rajasthan Directorate of Secondary Education has directed schools to restrict the entry of outsiders and prohibit unauthorised photography, videography, interviews or other forms of recording on school premises. In a circular issued on August 16, the Directorate of Secondary Education, Bikaner, said the directions were being issued in accordance with the principle of “In Loco Parentis”. Under this, the schools have a responsibility similar to that of parents towards students.

The order also referred to Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, and the Supreme Court’s recognition of the right to privacy as a fundamental right. Other than these, the circular cited the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) school safety policy and guidelines, which focuses on providing children with a safe, secure and child-friendly environment.

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Rajasthan govt's circular

Under the new order, no one will be allowed to enter a school campus without prior permission from the principal or head of the institution. Government officials visiting schools for official work have been exempted from this requirement. All visitors will also have to make an entry in the visitor register before entering the school premises.

The Directorate has also restricted photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and live streaming involving students, teachers or school activities without permission. Such activities will only be permitted for an authorised purpose.

School authorities have been directed to ensure that photographs, videos or other information concerning students are not collected, published or circulated in a manner that could affect their privacy, dignity or safety.

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The circular further states that if any person attempts unauthorised photography or videography, local police and the district education officer will be informed.

The order has been circulated among district education officials, school heads, hostel authorities and other concerned officials.

The directive comes days after the Rajasthan government faced criticism from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which under 'School thik karo' campaign has been campaigning over the condition of government schools. Reacting to the order, many people took to X to allege that instead of addressing problems in schools, the government is trying to restrict documentation of their condition.