The Gujarat government instructed all schools in the state to bar outsiders from entering premises without prior written permission from the principal or head of the institution, effective October 2026. The circular enforcing this directive was issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Schools of Gujarat on October 21, 2026.
Authorized Officials and Visitor Registration
The policy exempts only government officials who are duly authorized and performing official duties. All other external persons must secure prior written approval before gaining access. Schools are required to record visitor details in a designated register to ensure documented control of entries.
Restrictions on Photography and Data Collection
The Education Department of Gujarat strictly
forbade any photography, videography, interviews, audio recording, or live-streaming of students, teachers, or school activities without the principal’s prior written consent. Such permissions are granted solely for lawful purposes. Visitors are also barred from collecting or publishing information or photographs of individual children without explicit authorization. The circular stated, “No visitor shall collect information about an individual child or publish the child’s identity or photograph without the prior written permission of the Principal, particularly where such activity is not in the best interests of the child and may affect the child’s safety, dignity or privacy.”
Access Limitations and Supervision Requirements
Entry into sensitive school zones—including
classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds, and toilets—is restricted. Visitors may access these areas only with prior written permission and must be accompanied by the principal, a teacher, or an authorized school official. This measure aims to safeguard the students’ privacy and maintain a secure academic atmosphere.
Principal’s Authority and Reporting Protocols
Principals hold the authority to deny access to any visitor whose presence could compromise school security, discipline, privacy, or the academic environment. The circular mandates immediate reporting to local police and education authorities of individuals who enter without permission, refuse to leave upon request, engage in unauthorized photography or videography, or obstruct school activities.
Legal and Constitutional Foundations
The Gujarat government grounded its policy in the principle of ‘In Loco Parentis,’ assuming responsibility akin to that of a parent for the safety, dignity, privacy, and welfare of children in government schools. The circular references Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to life, dignity, and privacy. It also cites the Supreme Court’s ruling in K S Puttaswamy (Retd) vs Union of India, which affirmed privacy as a fundamental right. In addition, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights’ school safety guidelines underscore the need for a secure and child-friendly learning environment free
from exploitation and privacy breaches.
Impact on Visitors and Outsiders
Visitors to government schools in Gujarat must now obtain prior written permission from the institution’s head before entry and comply with registration procedures. Unauthorized entry is prohibited and subject to prompt action by authorities. This policy directly affects outsiders seeking access to school premises, reinforcing control over external interaction with educational environments.
