In order to strengthen student safety and protect children’s privacy, the Gujarat government has introduced stricter rules governing visitor access, photography and data collection in schools across the state.
The new guidelines, issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Schools, place the well-being and dignity of students at the centre of school security measures. The directions seek to prevent unauthorised entry, restrict the misuse of students’ personal information and ensure that school campuses remain safe learning spaces.
Under the revised norms, all external visitors must obtain prior written permission from the principal or head of the institution before entering school premises. School authorities have been empowered to deny entry if they believe a visitor’s presence could affect security, discipline, privacy or the academic environment. Government officials carrying out official duties, however, are exempt from the requirement.
A key focus of the circular is the protection of children’s privacy. Schools have been instructed to prohibit photography, videography, interviews, audio recordings and live-streaming involving students, teachers or school activities unless prior written approval has been granted by the principal. Such activities will only be allowed for legitimate and lawful purposes.
The guidelines also bar visitors from collecting personal information about students or publishing their identities and photographs without authorisation. The move is intended to prevent the unauthorised circulation of children’s data and images, which could compromise their safety, dignity or privacy.
Access to student-centric spaces such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds and toilets will also require prior written approval. Visitors permitted to enter these areas must remain under the supervision of the principal, a teacher or another authorised school official.
In addition, school administrations have been directed to promptly report serious violations to local police and education authorities. These include unauthorised entry, refusal to leave school premises when instructed, unauthorised photography or videography, and any activity that disrupts normal school functioning.
Through these measures, the Gujarat government aims to create safer campuses while ensuring that every child’s privacy, dignity and well-being remain protected.