Rajasthan school photo-video row: Education Minister clarifies govt’s stand

Jaipur, Aug 17 (IANS) Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar has clarified the government’s position on the controversy over restrictions on photography, videography and interviews inside government schools, saying the instructions aim to safeguard the safety, privacy and personal information of minor children rather than impose a blanket ban.

Dilawar explained that parents must permit taking photographs or videos of children or recording their statements.

He emphasised that while schools are not secret institutions, unrestricted entry and recording cannot be permitted.

“If a person interviews children without any reason, asks them unnecessary questions or interferes with their privacy, it is not appropriate,” he said.

The minister stressed that protecting students is a responsibility of the Education Department and school authorities. Teachers are responsible for children’s safety and care at school, while parents are responsible at home. Activities involving children on school premises must therefore consider their safety and privacy.

He added that heads of institutions and school management committees are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for students. Parent-teacher meetings are conducted regularly as part of the school system, ensuring transparency in school functioning.

Dilawar clarified that the instructions issued by the Director of Secondary Education on August 16 were intended to ensure children are not exposed unnecessarily or placed in situations that could compromise their privacy.

He reiterated that there is no complete ban on people visiting schools, but appropriate permission must be obtained before photographing, filming or interviewing minor children.

According to the minister, the instructions are designed to balance transparency with the protection of minors.

He underlined that the Education Department and school authorities have a responsibility to safeguard students, and the guidelines are meant to prevent unauthorised recording or interviews that could infringe on children’s rights.

Dilawar also addressed concerns about whether members of the public or visitors can enter government schools.

He said nothing about the functioning of schools is secret, but that does not mean anyone can enter at any time without permission and take photographs, record videos, or conduct interviews.

He pointed out that teachers, school heads and school management committees are tasked with ensuring a safe environment for students.

The minister reiterated that the government’s emphasis is on obtaining parental permission and ensuring that children’s privacy is not compromised.

He said the central question now is how the permission mechanism will operate in practice, particularly for journalists, media organisations, parents and other visitors who want to photograph or interview students inside school premises.

The controversy began after the Director of Secondary Education issued the letter on August 16, sparking criticism from the Congress.

Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully accused the government of trying to restrict recordings of problems faced by students and schools.

He alleged that children have been raising concerns about school facilities through videos on social media and warned that the Congress would raise the issue in the Rajasthan Assembly.

Jully linked the restrictions to freedom of expression and transparency, arguing that they could affect the ability of students, parents and others to bring problems in government schools to public attention.

–IANS

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