Tamil Nadu restricts private schools from conducting political, ideological, communal events

The Tamil Nadu government has restricted private schools from hosting programmes that are political, ideological, communal, or divisive in nature. It has amended the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Rules, 2023, in this regard and has included clauses to restrict activities by any external person, association, or organisation.

“No school premises shall be used, whether during or outside school hours, for organising, conducting, or facilitating any programme, meeting, campaign, instruction, or any activity by any external person, association, or organisation which is in the nature of: (i) political or ideological; (ii) communal or divisive; or (iii) otherwise, unrelated to the educational objectives of the school,” one of the new clauses said.

Cultural events, social service programmes, blood donation camps, commemorative functions, or similar activities “would be permitted only if they are non-sectarian, non-political, and conducted under the direct supervision and responsibility of the educational agency, and subject to such prior permission: of the competent authority or any other authority to be specified by the government, another clause said.

The “communal or divisive activity” meant “any activity which is intended or likely to promote disharmony, enmity, hatred, or ill-will among students on the basis of religion, race, caste, community, language, or ideology, or which undermines the objectives and inclusive character of the private school”. A G.O. was issued in this regard earlier this week.

The land, buildings, and facilities of every recognised private school were to be utilised primarily and exclusively for academic instruction, co-curricular activities, extra-curricular activities, student welfare programmes, and school functions conducted under the authority and supervision of the educational agency.