The Gujarat government has tightened school entry rules, requiring prior written permission for outsiders and restricting unauthorised photography, videography and collection of student data. Schools must maintain visitor records and report security violations to the police and education authorities.

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government on Wednesday directed schools to tighten their entry rules and bar outsiders from entering the premises without prior permission.

"Any external person shall obtain prior written permission from the principal or head of the Institution to enter the school premises. Only government officials who are duly authorised....to perform their official duties shall be exempted," a circular issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Schools stated.

Details of visitors must be recorded in the visitor register, it said.

The Education Department also directed school authorities to prevent the collection, publication or circulation of students' photographs, videos and personal information in ways that could compromise their safety, dignity or privacy.