Rajasthan bars school entry for outsiders after CJP inspection call

Hours after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced a campaign to inspect dilapidated government schools, the Rajasthan government has barred outsiders from entering school premises without the principal's permission. The order, issued Sunday by the state education department, also requires prior written approval for all photography, videography, and interviews involving students or teachers.

The directive cites the principle of in loco parentis and Article 21 of the Constitution to protect children's safety, dignity, and privacy, India Today reports. Education Minister Madan Dilawar defended the move, saying it was not a blanket ban but aimed at preventing privacy violations. The Times of India adds that the order exempts government officials on authorised duty, and all visitors must sign a register.

Opposition Leader Tika Ram Jully accused the BJP government of hiding shortcomings rather than fixing them and threatened a civil disobedience movement if the order is not withdrawn, Deccan Chronicle reports. CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka said the party has received requests from nine districts to inspect schools over the next two weeks and warned of a mass campaign demanding the education minister's resignation if no repair plan is presented in the Assembly.