Rajasthan Government Restricts Outsider Access to State Schools Amid CJP Audit Plans

The Rajasthan government has issued a circular restricting the unauthorized entry of outsiders into state run schools, banning photography, interviews, and live streaming without prior written permission. The directive requires all visitors to register and be accompanied by school officials when entering classrooms, laboratories, or hostels. Principals have been authorized to refuse entry to anyone whose presence might affect security or discipline and may initiate legal action under laws including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. These rules were implemented on the same day that Ashutosh Ranka, co convener of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), announced the 'School Thik Karo' campaign. Ranka stated he intends to visit schools in cities including Jaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, and Udaipur to audit amenities and education quality following reports of dilapidated conditions. The government justified the restrictions by citing the principle of in loco parentis and the need to safeguard the privacy, dignity, and safety of students in compliance with National Commission for Protection of Child Rights guidelines. Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dostara criticized the move, alleging that the BJP government is attempting to cover up failures in the education system.