Jaipur: Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday demanded that the state government withdraw a fresh Education Department order that restricts unauthorised entry and forbids photography, videography, audio recording and live streaming in government school premises without prior written permission.
Political challenge to order, questions on consultation
Gehlot, a senior Congress leader, questioned whether the directive had been taken in consultation with Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and the state Cabinet, saying the move effectively curbs access to schools at a time when education matters are under national debate. PTI reported that Gehlot asked: whether the minister discussed the decision with the chief minister and whether the Cabinet collectively approved it.
"Did the minister discuss it with the chief minister? Was the entire Cabinet consulted on this order? Did the Cabinet collectively take this decision? We want to know,"
He argued the order prevents not only the press but also other legitimate visitors, noting "there are dozens of reasons for which people need to visit schools, and you have said they cannot enter without permission," PTI reported.
What the Education Department order says
According to the department directive reported by PTI, outsiders will be barred from entering government school premises without the prior permission of the head of the institution. The order also imposes restrictions on photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and live streaming involving students, teachers or school activities unless prior written permission is obtained.
| Restriction | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Entry of outsiders | Prior permission of head of institution |
| Photography / Videography | Prior written permission |
| Interviews / Audio recording / Live streaming | Prior written permission |
Official rationale and public interest concerns
The Education Department cited the safety, dignity and privacy of children in issuing the directions, according to PTI. Child protection and privacy in schools are recognised priorities; however, the blanket nature of the restrictions has prompted criticism from opposition leaders who say the move may obstruct accountability and independent scrutiny of school infrastructure and functioning.
Gehlot's intervention followed an announcement by activist Ashutosh Ranka of the Cockroach Janta Party that he planned to visit schools across the state under a campaign called ‘School Thik Karo’ to audit institutions he described as being in poor condition. The department's order was issued on Monday after Ranka’s planned tours were made public, PTI reported.
Implications for media, activists and parents
- Media access: Journalists and news organisations will need written permission to enter school premises or record activities involving students and teachers.
- Activists and auditors: Civil society groups and individual activists seeking to document conditions will be required to secure approval from school heads.
- Parents and guardians: Routine visits for legitimate reasons could be affected if prior permissions are not readily available.
Local education stakeholders say that while safeguarding children is essential, restrictions that broadly limit observation and reporting may impede oversight of sanitation, infrastructure, mid-day meals, teacher attendance and other routine welfare indicators that influence learning outcomes.
Calls for clarity and possible next steps
Gehlot sought clarity on the decision-making process and appealed for the order's withdrawal, highlighting that education and healthcare are two core concerns for the public. PTI reported his remark that both sectors require fundamental changes. The state government has not, as of the PTI report, issued additional public clarification beyond the Education Department directive.
Observers say a balanced response would reaffirm child safety while establishing transparent procedures for media, parents and civil society to gain access for legitimate oversight. Any amendment or revocation would likely involve consultation between the Education Department, the Chief Minister’s office and the Cabinet — the very consultations Gehlot is asking to see.
As Rajasthan’s towns and villages host tens of thousands of government-run schools where basic services and infrastructure remain a matter of daily concern to families, changes to access rules are likely to reverberate among educators, parents and civil society groups monitoring educational welfare.
PTI reported the developments from Jaipur; the state government’s next official statement on the directive is awaited.
