Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya restricts entry of YouTubers, persons associated with social media into schools

The Office of the District Basic Education Officer, Ayodhya, has issued a notice directing that the entry of outsiders, such as YouTubers or any individual associated with social media, is not allowed in schools.

Any person associated with social media cannot engage in photography or videography without the permission of the undersigned or a competent authority, the statement adds.

The directive comes after school students in Uttar Pradesh began staging protests highlighting the lack of basic amenities in schools, including clean drinking water, clean toilets, adequate seating, mid-day meals, and proper infrastructure.

According to the education department’s order, the practice of individuals entering the district's council schools, capturing photographs and videos of the school and staff, and sharing them on social media causes disruption to the teaching-learning process.

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The statement further added that officials have already been designated by the government and administration to assess council schools. The officials conduct periodic inspections and monitoring and take action as per the rules to rectify any operational deficiencies.

“No outsider, YouTuber, or individual associated with social media shall enter council schools or engage in photography or videography without the permission of the undersigned or a competent authority. This order shall come into effect immediately,” the circular reads in Hindi.

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‘Gen Alpha Protest’ in UP

Notably, students of Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Niyotani Nagar Panchayat in Hasanganj tehsil, Unnao, stated protests citing the lack of facilities in schools, such as poor-quality food, inadequate drinking water, shortage of teachers, and the behaviour of the principal.

Moreover, students from schools run by the social welfare department in UP had earlier staged protests in Lucknow on August 14 and 17, raising concerns over teacher shortages and other basic necessities

Recently, the Rajasthan’s directorate of secondary education directed schools to restrict the entry of outsiders and prohibit unauthorised photography, interviews, or other forms of recording on school premises.