The Gujarat government issued a circular on 21 October 2026 directing all schools in the state to bar outsiders from entering premises without prior written permission from the principal or head of the institution. Only government officials authorised to perform official duties are exempt from this requirement, according to the Office of the Commissioner of Schools.
Visitor Registration and Restrictions on Information Collection
Schools must maintain a visitor register where every visitor’s details are recorded upon entry. The circular prohibits photography, videography, interviews, audio recordings, or live-streaming of students, teachers, or school activities without the principal’s prior written consent. Such permission will only be granted for lawful
purposes. No visitor may collect information about individual students or publish their identity or photographs without explicit prior permission from the principal, especially if it risks compromising the child’s safety, dignity, or privacy.
Access to sensitive areas such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds, and toilets where student activities occur requires written permission beforehand. Visitors must be accompanied by the principal, a teacher, or an authorised school official in these areas.
Principals’ Authority and Reporting Protocols
The circular empowers principals to refuse entry to any visitor whose presence may disrupt school security, discipline, privacy, or the academic environment. Any unauthorized entry, refusal to leave when
requested, unauthorised photography or videography, or obstruction of school functions must be reported promptly to local police and education authorities.
The directive underscores the state government’s responsibility under the principle of ‘In Loco Parentis,’ meaning it assumes duties analogous to those of a parent for children enrolled in government schools. This responsibility includes safeguarding the safety, dignity, privacy, and overall welfare of students.
Legal and Policy Foundations for School Safety Measures
The circular cites Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to life, dignity, and privacy. It also references the Supreme Court judgment in K S Puttaswamy (Retd) vs Union of India, which
recognized privacy as a fundamental right, reinforcing the legal basis for restricting unauthorized information collection and publication within schools.
Further, the circular aligns with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) school safety policy. This policy mandates a secure and child-friendly environment in schools, protecting children from exploitation and violations of their privacy.
