New guidelines aim to strengthen student protection, safeguard privacy and improve accountability across government-run schools.

The Gujarat government has introduced stricter rules governing visits by outsiders to government schools. Under the new instructions, visitors must obtain written approval from the school principal before entering the premises and provide their details in the institution’s visitor register.

The Education Department has issued the guidelines for primary, secondary and higher secondary schools, placing particular emphasis on students’ safety, personal privacy and overall well-being. The prior-approval requirement does not apply to government officials who have been formally authorised to enter schools to carry out their assigned duties.

The policy highlights the state’s responsibility to protect children in its educational institutions, drawing on the legal principle of in loco parentis, under which an institution assumes certain responsibilities associated with parental care. It also refers to Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects life and personal liberty, and the Supreme Court’s decision in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) versus Union of India case, which established privacy as a fundamental right. The guidelines further take into account child-safety recommendations issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

1. Written Authorisation Required for Entry

Individuals who are not part of the school’s authorised personnel will generally be required to secure written permission from the principal or institutional head before entering the campus. They must also record their particulars in the visitor register.

Access to sensitive or student-use areas, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds and toilet facilities, will be subject to specific written approval. Visitors must be accompanied by the principal, a teacher or another staff member authorised by the school while entering these locations.

2. Restrictions on Photography and Audio-Video Recording

The new instructions also regulate the recording and sharing of school-related content. Visitors cannot photograph or film students, conduct interviews, make audio recordings or livestream school activities without the principal’s prior written consent. Permission may be granted for legitimate and lawful purposes.

School administrations are expected to prevent the unauthorised collection, publication or distribution of students’ photographs, videos and personal details. Any use of such material must be handled in a way that protects children from risks to their safety, dignity and privacy.

The guidelines also restrict the collection or public disclosure of a child’s identifying information or photograph without the required written approval, particularly when doing so could harm the child or conflict with their best interests.

3. Police Notification in Cases of Violations

School principals and heads of institutions have been instructed to respond promptly to unauthorised entry and other security-related violations. These include refusing to leave when directed, recording images or videos without approval, and interfering with normal school activities.

In such situations, the school head must notify the local police and the relevant education authorities. Depending on the institution and administrative jurisdiction, these may include the District Education Officer, District Primary Education Officer, administrative officer or Taluka Primary Education Officer.

School authorities may refuse admission to visitors if their presence could threaten campus security, compromise privacy, disturb discipline or interfere with teaching. They can also require individuals to leave and request police assistance where necessary.

4. Monitoring and Enforcement

Inspection officials have been directed to monitor compliance with the new requirements. Violations may lead to legal action, depending on the nature and circumstances of the incident.

The circular identifies several laws that may be relevant to enforcement, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012; the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015; and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Other applicable legal provisions may also be invoked where warranted.

What the New Rules Mean for School Visits

The revised framework establishes a more formal process for outside visitors seeking access to government schools. By requiring advance written authorisation, visitor registration and supervision in designated areas, the state aims to reduce unauthorised access and ensure that activities involving students are conducted with appropriate safeguards.

The measures also place greater responsibility on school administrations to protect children’s personal information, maintain a secure learning environment and report incidents that could compromise student welfare.