LUCKNOW After a series of viral videos of poor quality mid-day meals served to students in some UP government schools, district education officers have 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.
Ayodhya BEO Laal Chand confirmed the government’s order. He said: “Many decisions are taken by BSAs in their districts depending upon local situations, like for example, closure of schools due to local festivals or extreme weather conditions. The directives have coincided with the CJP’s (Cockroach Janata 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. All decisions don’t require state government’s approval or consent. “The government and administration have already designated officers to inspect government schools. these orders should not become a blanket restriction on legitimate reporting of the condition of public schools.” While reasonable safeguards are necessary to protect children and prevent disruption of teaching.
In contrast, at least six district level education officers recently issued circulars asking all school staff in their districts not to allow outsiders and YouTubers to enter school premises and record videos, which they said would only tarnish the image of government schools. They periodically inspect and monitor schools, and based on these findings, they take action to improve school arrangements as per rules,” said Rakesh Singh. He said the teachers’ association demanded restrictions on such activities by social media personnel, who enter schools and start filming teachers and students. Reacting to BSAs’ orders, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Abdul Hafiz Gandhi said: “The recent orders restricting journalists, YouTubers and others from entering government schools in UP are a matter of concern, particularly from the perspective of freedom of press and democratic accountability.
Whether it’s a private or government school, you need to take permission to enter the school premises.”
Defending the BEOs’ decision, state BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said: “All government institutions, including schools where children study, have their own set of rules and systems in place.
