The Tamil Nadu government has issued an order prohibiting political, ideological and religious activities in private schools across the state by amending the rules under the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Act. The move is intended to prevent school premises from being used for programmes that could influence students politically or promote communal or divisive ideas.
Amendment to Private School Regulations
The state government amended the rules using powers under Section 57 of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Act, 2018 (Tamil Nadu Act 35 of 2019). The amendment states that school campuses must not be used to organise or facilitate any event, meeting, campaign or activity conducted by external individuals, organisations or associations if the programme is political, ideological, communal or unrelated to the educational purpose of the institution.
The revised regulation also bars any programme that may promote division or hostility among students based on religion, caste, race, language, community or ideology. Authorities said activities that encourage disharmony or hatred among students will not be permitted on school premises.
Restrictions on Use of School Premises
According to the guidelines, the restriction applies to programmes conducted both during and outside school hours. School managements are prohibited from allowing their premises to be used for events organised by outside groups if those activities are political, ideological or communal in nature.
Officials stated that the objective of the rule change is to ensure that schools remain spaces dedicated to education and learning and that students are not exposed to ideological influence within the campus environment.
The order allows certain activities such as cultural programmes, social service initiatives, blood donation camps and commemorative events, provided they are non-political, secular in nature and conducted under the direct supervision of the school administration. In such cases, prior approval must be obtained from the competent authority designated by the government.
Tamil Nadu has around 58,000 schools across the state, including approximately 13,000 private schools. The government stated that the amendment was introduced following concerns and objections regarding political and religious events being organised in some private school campuses.
– Magizh
