Tamil Nadu Government Prohibits Political Activities in Private Schools
The Tamil Nadu government has taken a decisive step to regulate private educational institutions by officially barring political, ideological, and communal activities on their premises. This significant move comes through amendments to the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Rules, as detailed in a government order issued by the school education department on March 2.
New Rules to Protect Academic Environment
According to the amendment, no school premises can be used, either during or outside school hours, for programmes, meetings, or activities by external persons or organisations that are political, ideological, communal, or divisive in nature. The order, signed by Additional Chief Secretary B Chandra Mohan, emphasizes that the land, buildings, and facilities of recognized private schools should be primarily utilized for:
- Academic instruction
- Co-curricular activities
- Extracurricular programmes
- Student welfare initiatives
- School functions conducted under the authority of the educational agency
This amendment builds on a similar prohibition implemented for government schools in 2024, which was introduced after an event featuring self-styled religious preacher Mahavishnu faced criticism.
Background and Controversy
The regulatory change follows a notable controversy involving Sri Saraswathi Vidyalaya, a private school in Cuddalore. The institution permitted a camp organized by Seva Bharati, an organization linked to a right-wing outfit, during a holiday in December last year. In response, the school was issued a show-cause notice for allowing the event.
The school challenged this action in the Madras High Court, arguing that Rule 9(jj) of the Tamil Nadu Recognised Private Schools (Regulation) Rules, 1974—which restricts drills or training by external individuals—does not apply on non-working days. In its petition, the school alleged that the notice was issued in the context of upcoming elections and claimed that government machinery was being used as an instrument of oppression.
This issue gained attention as several CBSE schools in Tamil Nadu regularly host events and camps conducted by outside organizations, raising questions about the balance between educational autonomy and regulatory oversight.
Government and Stakeholder Perspectives
School education authorities clarified that the amendment was not prompted by a single institution but rather by a broader need to establish clear rules to prevent disruptions in academic spaces. An official stated, The government wanted to ensure that schools are not disturbed by any non-academic activity, highlighting the intent to maintain a focused learning environment.
P Ashok Shankar of the CBSE Schools Management Association (CSMA) welcomed the move, noting, School is a place where students should understand politics but not do politics. This sentiment reflects support for keeping educational settings free from partisan influences.
However, a private school principal in Chennai, who regularly hosts external programmes, expressed concerns. Speaking anonymously, the principal argued that the restriction could limit activities focused on yoga, discipline, physical training, and community service. Those conducting the training were not divisive in nature and pose no threat to secularism. Boys from all religions participate in these classes, the principal added, suggesting that the rule might inadvertently hinder beneficial extracurricular engagements.
The amendment underscores the Tamil Nadu government's commitment to safeguarding educational institutions from external influences that could compromise their academic mission, while also sparking debate over the scope of permissible activities in private schools.
