Mumbai, August 23: The Haryana government has issued a new directive banning media access to government schools, raising several questions from the opposition. Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda defended the decision, stating that village schools are national heritage sites. He emphasized that no individual should enter a school without the presence of responsible village representatives. “If any unfortunate incident occurs with the children, who will be held accountable?” he questioned, asserting that schools cannot be used for political gain.
According to the new order, no external person may enter a school without written permission from the principal. Photography, video recording, interviews, audio recording, and live streaming of students and teachers are prohibited. All visitors must register in a visitor log and are not allowed in classrooms, labs, libraries, toilets, or grounds without a principal or teacher present. Violators may face action under various laws, including the BNSS, POCSO, JJ Act, and the IT Act, with police notification required.
Minister Dhanda stated, “The School Management Committee (SMC) consists of local villagers and elected representatives. If someone visits the school and causes disruption, who will be responsible? Decisions are made with careful consideration. Village schools are part of our national heritage. If someone wishes to visit, they should do so with the village’s educated individuals.”
Regarding the media coverage ban, he remarked, “The media knows what and how much coverage to provide. Do not create doubts under the guise of media. Anyone can visit, but they must be accompanied by responsible local individuals. If we allow unrestricted access and something happens to our children, who will be accountable? Should permission be granted for political showmanship? Since becoming a minister, I have been visiting schools and engaging in discussions.”
In response to INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala’s comments about Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Dhanda noted, “People in Punjab appreciate Chief Minister Saini and are calling for him. During election season, no one pays attention to him or seeks his opinion, leading to their concerns. We are a national party, and it’s our political right to visit. No one invites them to Haryana, so who will call them? I shouldn’t say this, but they are forcing me to respond. There’s nothing left but rhetoric and nonsensical statements.”
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