After state authorities’ nudge, BSAs amend orders banning outsiders’ entry into govt schools in Uttar Pradesh

Revised circulars say parents, villagers, school management committee members should not be restricted from entering schools

After the state headquarters’ reported nudge, a number of district education officers (basic shiksha adhikaris or BSAs) in Uttar Pradesh have amended their earlier orders and issued revised circulars directing schools to allow parents and the members of school management committees to visit schools and enquire into any details related to the institutions and progress of their wards.

The earlier directives had coincided with #SchoolThikKaro (fix the government schools) campaign on social media as well as student protests over poor school facilities in different parts of UP over the last two weeks. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

The move follows criticism of the earlier directive prohibiting the entry of outsiders, including YouTubers, without permission into government-run primary and upper primary schools across the state.

For instance, Manish Kumar Singh, basic shiksha adhikari (BSA) of Ballia, amended his August 7 order that prohibited the entry of unknown individuals/outsiders to ensure that the teaching of students is not affected during school hours.

The amended order dated August 20 said if a parent, member of the school management committee (SMC) or local villager visits the school to enquire about the school’s arrangements, they should not be restricted.

“However, it must be ensured that the teaching process is not affected, the dignity of teachers is not compromised, and the privacy and well-being of students are not compromised. The rest of the order remains unchanged. The order should be strictly followed,” the amended order read.

The revised August 20 order read, “If any parent, SMC member, local villager visits the school to enquire about the school’s arrangements, they should not be restricted, but care should also be taken to ensure that the teaching process is not affected, the privacy and safety of students, and the dignity of teachers are not compromised.”

Lal Chandra, the Ayodhya BSA, too, revised his order.

His earlier order said teacher organisations complained at a review meeting that outsiders, including YouTubers, and others were unauthorisedly entering the district’s schools, taking photos and videos of the school and staff, and sharing them on social media, which disrupted teaching work.

His revised August 20 order says: “if a parent, SMC member, or local villager visits the school to enquire about the school’s arrangements, they should not be restricted. However, it must be ensured that teaching is not affected, the dignity of teachers is not compromised, and the privacy and well-being of students are not compromised. The rest of the order remains unchanged. The order must be strictly followed.”

A senior government official said, “Other districts who have issued blanket orders to stop outsiders from entering government schools will also issue a kind of clarification or rectification today.”

When asked if BSAs are empowered to restrict people from entering government schools, Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, additional chief secretary (secondary and basic education), said, “Many decisions are taken by BSAs in their districts depending on the local conditions and situations, for example closure of schools due to local festivals or extreme weather conditions. All decisions don’t require the state government’s approval or consent.”

Earlier, district education officers issued orders prohibiting the entry of outsiders, including YouTubers, into government-run primary and upper primary schools across the state to ensure smooth functioning of teaching and learning activities.

The step followed a series of viral videos of poor quality mid-day meals served to students in some UP government schools.

The directives had coincided with the CJP’s (Cockroach Janta Party) nationwide #SchoolThikKaro (fix the government schools) campaign on social media to improve government schools, as well as student protests over poor school facilities in different parts of UP over the last two weeks.