Rajasthan government restricts media and outsider entry in schools

The Rajasthan government has issued directives restricting the entry of outsiders and the recording of media within government school premises. The order requires written permission from school principals for taking photographs, videos, or conducting interviews.

Education Minister Madan Dilawar clarified that the measures are not a blanket ban on media but are intended to ensure the safety and privacy of minor students. He noted that if parents are not present, permission must be obtained from teachers, who act as guardians in the school setting.

The move has triggered significant political backlash. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticized the government for attempting to avoid transparency regarding the actual condition of schools. Additionally, Ashutosh Ranka of the Cockroach Janata Party challenged the minister to name ten exemplary government schools, announcing plans to conduct independent inspections to assess the ground reality of the state's education system.