Gujarat Govt Tightens School Entry Rules, Mandates Prior Permission for Visitors

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has directed schools across the state to tighten entry rules, making prior written permission mandatory for outsiders seeking to enter school premises. The directive also restricts unauthorised photography, videography, interviews and the collection of students’ personal information to protect their safety and privacy.

The Education Department issued the instructions through a circular dated October 21, 2026, directing primary, secondary and higher secondary schools to regulate visitors and prevent activities that could disrupt the academic environment or compromise students’ privacy.

Under the new rules, visitors must obtain prior written permission from the school principal or head of the institution and record their details in the school’s visitor register before entering the premises. Authorised government officials visiting on duty are exempt from the prior permission requirement.

Visitors will not be allowed into classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, sports grounds and washrooms without specific authorisation. The directive also requires school staff to accompany visitors where necessary.

The circular prohibits unauthorised photography, videography, audio recording, interviews and live streaming involving students, teachers or school activities. Such activities will be permitted only for lawful educational purposes with prior written approval from the principal. The collection or publication of students’ photographs, videos and personal details that could compromise their privacy, dignity or safety is also prohibited.

School principals have been authorised to deny entry to individuals whose presence could threaten student safety, disrupt discipline or disturb the academic environment. If an unauthorised person enters the premises, refuses to leave, attempts unauthorised recording or disrupts school functioning, the school administration must inform the local police and district education authorities.

The Education Department has warned that violations could invite action under applicable laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, wherever applicable.

The department said the measures were aimed at ensuring a safe learning environment and protecting children’s right to privacy and dignity. The circular invokes the principle of in loco parentis, under which schools assume certain responsibilities for children in their care, and refers to Article 21 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court’s judgment in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India and guidelines issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). DeshGujarat