Gujarat Schools Tighten Entry Rules; Prior Approval Mandatory for Photography, Videography

The Gujarat government has directed schools across the state to tighten visitor entry rules and restrict unauthorised photography, videography and the collection of students’ personal information. The measures aim to protect children’s safety, privacy and dignity while strengthening security on school campuses.

According to a circular issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Schools on October 21, school authorities can deny entry to outsiders if their presence is likely to affect security, discipline, privacy or the academic environment. The directions were reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI).

Under the new guidelines, external visitors must obtain prior written permission from the principal or head of the institution before entering school premises. Government officials authorised to perform their official duties are exempt from this requirement.

Schools have also been instructed to maintain visitor registers to record the details of people entering the premises. Principals and heads of institutions can refuse entry if they believe a visitor's presence could compromise campus safety or disrupt school activities.

The circular restricts photography, videography, interviews, audio recordings and live-streaming involving students, teachers or school activities without the principal's prior written permission. Such activities may be permitted only for lawful purposes.

Visitors are also prohibited from collecting information about individual students or publishing their identities and photographs without written approval from the principal. The guidelines emphasise preventing the unauthorised collection and circulation of children's personal information in ways that could compromise their safety, dignity or privacy.

The new rules require prior written permission for access to areas used by students, including:

• Classrooms and laboratories
• Libraries and hostels
• Playgrounds and toilets
• Other school facilities

Visitors granted permission to enter these areas must be accompanied by the principal, a teacher or another authorised school official. The requirement is intended to ensure supervision and prevent unauthorised movement through student areas.

The Gujarat government has directed school authorities to report certain violations promptly to local police and education officials. These include unauthorised entry, refusing to leave when instructed, unauthorised photography or videography, and activities that disrupt school functioning.

The directions place responsibility on school administrations to respond to conduct that could threaten campus security or interfere with academic activities.

The circular refers to the principle of in loco parentis, under which an institution assumes certain responsibilities for the care and protection of children. It also cites Article 21 of the Constitution, which protects the right to life and personal liberty.

Additionally, the guidelines refer to the Supreme Court's judgment in K S Puttaswamy (Retd) vs Union of India, which recognised the right to privacy as a fundamental right.

Through the new instructions, the Gujarat government has sought to strengthen oversight of school visitors and regulate the use of students' personal information, photographs and videos, with the stated aim of protecting children's privacy, dignity and well-being.