Gujarat’s education department has locked down its schools. A fresh circular mandates that no outsider—whether a journalist, activist, or parent—can step onto campus grounds, record video, or conduct interviews without prior written authorization from the principal. The directive is explicit: unauthorized entry, unapproved photography, and live streaming are banned. Violators face police summons and potential charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), and the Information Technology Act.
The political backlash was immediate. Congress leader Dr. Manish Doshi slammed the move as a cover-up for systemic failure. "This circular itself shows that Gujarat’s education department is a hub of corruption," Doshi said during a press briefing. He cited specific deficits: over 40,000 missing teachers and 42,000 absent classrooms. Nearly 3,000 schools currently operate with a single educator. "The government is running away from giving an account of all these things, and that is why it issues such circulars," Doshi argued, demanding the policy’s revocation.
BJP leader Dr. Anil Patel rejected the accusations of censorship. He framed the directive as a non-negotiable safety measure. "Ensuring the safety, peace, and confidentiality of those children is the authority’s responsibility," Patel said, citing Article 21 of the Constitution. He accused opposition groups and social media creators of creating a "fearful environment" by entering schools with crowds. Patel emphasized that legitimate inquiries should go through administrative channels, not "unauthorized campus raids."
The rules grant principals absolute discretion to deny entry or remove any visitor threatening academic discipline. They explicitly bar the collection or publication of any child’s photograph or personal details. While official inspections and educational celebrations remain permitted, the crackdown targets the "reel-lovers" culture Patel said has infiltrated public discourse. The controversy now centers on whether the state is prioritizing administrative control over the Right to Education, a debate that will likely escalate as opposition parties push for a public hearing on school infrastructure standards.