JAIPUR: State education department’s rushed order barring entry into govt schools without prior permission, issued hours after CJP announced a statewide school inspection under its “School Thik Karo” campaign, has snowballed into a political controversy, with the opposition accusing BJP govt of trying to hide governance gaps and poor school infrastructure.The directive, issued Sunday, prohibits photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and livestreaming involving students. Critics said the timing of the order exposed govt’s unease over public scrutiny of dilapidated buildings and crumbling facilities in govt schools.School education minister Madan Dilawar Monday denied any blanket ban on entry, saying school administrations were responsible for safeguarding children’s rights and privacy.Upholding the norms, state education department Monday said that a govt school is a “public institution and accountable to public, but not an unrestricted public space”.Education department Monday claimed that “parents or guardians of children are allowed to enter school premises, as they are stakeholders of a child’s safety”. This, however, has not been clearly mentioned in its order issued Sunday.“There is no restriction from the govt, but the administration is responsible for the safety of students, especially minors. Taking their photographs or bytes (statements/interviews) will need permission.In school premises, teachers are students’ guardians and it is their responsibility to ensure their safety,” Dilawar said.The minister further said that individuals cannot be permitted to enter schools unannounced and without a specific purpose to interact with or interview children, as this infringes upon the students’ privacy.He added that for the safety of students, there are monthly school management committee meetings that look after the needs of the school.“Every month parent-teacher meetings are conducted where parents can raise their concerns. All systems are in place to address students’ concerns but if anyone enters school premises at any time of the day, then students’ privacy gets affected and it is the responsibility of the school administration to ensure that their privacy does not get violated,” added Dilawar.Senior department officials said the order is not intended to restrict transparency nor to prevent legitimate scrutiny of govt schools.“Our purpose is to ensure that a school, where minor children remain under the care and custody of the state during school hours, continues to be a safe, secure and child-friendly environment.The state acts in loco parentis while children are in school and carries a special responsibility for their safety, dignity, privacy and welfare. This is the fundamental premise of the department’s directions,” a senior official said.When asked how these guidelines will be enforced, officials said that school principals or headmasters will be responsible for enforcement.
