CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu govt has barred ‘political, ideological and communal activities’ in private schools through amendments to the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Rules.The govt order issued through the school education department on March 2 says that 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’.“Land, buildings and facilities of recognised private schools should be used primarily for academic instruction, co-curricular activities, extracurricular programmes, student welfare initiatives and school functions conducted under the authority of the educational agency,” said the order signed by additional chief secretary to govt B Chandra Mohan.The govt had prohibited similar events in govt schools in 2024 after an event attended by self-styled religious preacher Mahavishnu drew flak.The amendment comes against the backdrop of a controversy over Sri Saraswathi Vidyalaya, a private school in Cuddalore, permitting a camp by Seva Bharati, an organisation linked to a right wing outfit, during a holiday in Dec last year. The school was issued a show cause notice for permitting the event.The school challenged the action before Madras high court, contending that Rule 9(jj) of the Tamil Nadu Recognised Private Schools (Regulation) Rules, 1974, which bars drills or training by people from outside the school, does not apply on non-working days.In its petition, the school alleged the notice was issued in the run-up to elections in the interests of the ruling party and claimed govt machinery was being used “as an instrument of oppression.” The issue drew attention as several CBSE schools in the state regularly host events and camps conducted by outside organisations.School education authorities, however, said the amendment was brought not because of one single institution. Rather, the govt wanted to introduce a clear rule to prevent disruption of academic spaces. “The govt wanted to ensure that schools are not disturbed by any non-academic activity,” the official said.P Ashok Shankar of CBSE Schools Management Association (CSMA) welcomed the move. “School is a place where students should understand politics but not do politics,” he said.However, a private school principal in Chennai who regularly hosts such programmes said the restriction could limit their ability to organise activities focused on yoga, discipline, physical training and community service. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the principal said, “Those conducting the training were not divisive in nature and pose no threat to secularism. Boys from all religions participate in these classes.”
