Gujarat Revises School Entry Rules, Requires Written Approval for Visitors

The Gujarat government has recently asked schools across the state to tighten security. Under the new rules, outsiders must get written permission before entering school premises. Taking photos or videos and sharing personal information of students are also prohibited. The rules aim to protect the safety, privacy and dignity of students.

Written Permission Required for School Visitors

According to a circular issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Schools, outsiders must get written permission from the school principal or head before entering the campus. However, government officials visiting schools for official work are exempt from the rule. Schools must also maintain a record of all visitors.

Entrance gate of an Indian school, Rajhans Vidyalaya, representing school security, controlled visitor access, and measures to protect students on school premises. Image Credit: Google

Photos and Videos Require Prior Permission

The Education Department of Gujarat has directed schools to prevent the unauthorised use of photos, videos and personal information of students.

Visitors cannot take photos or videos, conduct interviews, make audio recordings, or livestream school activities without the prior written permission of the principal. Also, they are not allowed to collect or share names, identities or photographs of students without written approval.

Permission Required to Visit Classrooms and Other Areas

As per the new rule, visitors must get written permission or be accompanied by the principal, a teacher, or another school official before entering classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds, toilets, or other areas where student activities take place. Principals can deny entry to anyone who may pose a threat to school security, discipline, privacy, or school environment.

If someone enters the school without permission, refuses to leave, takes unauthorised photos or videos, or disrupts school activities, principal can inform the local police and education authorities.

An Indian school principal meeting a visitor in the school office to review entry permission documents, illustrating the requirement for written approval before outsiders can enter school premises. Image Credit: Google

Government Focuses on Children's Safety and Privacy

The Gujarat government has referred to Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the right to life and personal liberty, and the Supreme Court's K.S. Puttaswamy judgment, which recognises privacy as a fundamental right. The circular also refers to school safety guidelines issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which stress the need for a safe and child-friendly school environment.

Other states have introduced similar restrictions. In August 2026, the Rajasthan government barred outsiders from entering government schools or taking photos and videos without the principal's written permission. Uttar Pradesh also introduced similar restrictions in Ayodhya in August to prevent outsiders, YouTubers, and social media users from entering schools or recording photos and videos without permission.