JAIPUR: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Thursday hit back at the Rajasthan government over restrictions on entry into government schools.The party is saying that the government’s move showed that the administration was more interested in hiding shortcomings than improving school infrastructure.Speaking to PTI, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the organisation had recently inspected a government school where the roof had collapsed.“We had gone to visit a school where the roof had collapsed. After the school visit, the Rajasthan government became so alarmed that it issued an order banning entry,” Ranka said.He said the government should instead focus on improving the condition of schools.“It would have been better if the government had put some energy into figuring out how to improve the condition of Rajasthan’s schools. We would have been happy to appreciate the government for taking steps to improve them,” he said.Ranka alleged that the government’s approach was becoming increasingly clear.“It is becoming increasingly evident that the government is not serious about school education. It simply wants to hide its shortcomings by issuing such orders,” he said.“But we want to make it clear that we are not going to be intimidated by such orders,” he added.
Why did Rajasthan restrict school entry?
The Rajasthan education department recently prohibited outsiders from entering government schools without prior permission from the principal.It also restricted photography, videography, interviews and live streaming on school premises without approval.The rules require visitors to sign a register and restrict access to classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds and toilets unless accompanied by authorised school personnel.The department has cited children’s privacy, safety and dignity as reasons for the restrictions.The timing of the order had raised questions as it came hours after the CJP announced plans to inspect government schools across Rajasthan under its ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign.The organisation said its volunteers were checking schools for basic facilities and infrastructure.
CJP continues school campaign
The CJP has said it will continue inspecting schools despite the restrictions. Ranka had earlier said the organisation had received requests from nine districts to inspect unsafe or poorly maintained schools.The campaign comes amid the Rajasthan government’s own assessment of school infrastructure.The education department has identified 3,768 school buildings as unsafe for academic activities, with 300 new buildings planned in the first phase.The state has earmarked Rs 409 crore for the work.While CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had hailed the planned construction as an impact of the campaign, the government has said the allocation and repair/reconstruction plans predated the CJP’s inspections.
