Gujarat’s new school entry rules have triggered a political dispute between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, with both parties offering different views on restrictions placed on visitors to government schools.

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The Gujarat Education Department issued instructions requiring outsiders to obtain prior written permission from the school principal or head before entering school premises. The guidelines also restrict photography, videography, interviews and audio recording involving students, teachers or school activities without prior approval.

Under the rules, visitors must register their details, while access to areas where students are present may require supervision by an authorised school official. The instructions aim to protect students’ safety, privacy and dignity and maintain a secure learning environment.

The BJP has defended the decision, arguing that schools need safeguards against unauthorised entry and recording. Party representatives maintain that uncontrolled access could disrupt school activities and create security concerns.

The Congress, however, has criticised the restrictions, alleging that they could prevent parents, journalists and citizens from documenting problems in government schools. The opposition party argues that limiting access and recording could reduce public scrutiny of school infrastructure, teacher shortages and other educational challenges.

The controversy has raised questions about how the state can protect children while ensuring transparency in public education. Critics have called for clearer provisions that distinguish legitimate parental visits and public-interest reporting from unauthorised activities.

The new guidelines place student privacy and accountability in government schools at the centre of the debate. Their implementation is likely to draw continued attention from parents, education stakeholders and political parties as discussions over school safety and infrastructure continue.