Haryana government restricts media access to state schools

The Haryana government has issued a new directive regulating the entry of outsiders and media into government schools. Under the new rules, no external individual is permitted to enter school premises without written authorization from the principal.

To ensure student and teacher safety, the order prohibits unauthorized photography, video recording, interviews, audio recordings, and live streaming of students and staff. All visitors are required to sign a visitor register and are restricted from entering classrooms, laboratories, libraries, toilets, or playgrounds without the presence of a principal or teacher. Violators may face legal action under the BNS, POCSO, JJ Act, and IT Act.

Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda defended the decision, stating that schools are national heritage sites and that the primary concern is the safety of children. He emphasized that any visits should be conducted in coordination with local School Management Committees (SMC), village heads, or panchayat representatives to ensure accountability and prevent incidents that could compromise student security.