Chennai Schools Banned From Hosting Non Academic Events Organised By Outsiders

The School Education Department in Chennai has issued strict new guidelines that prohibit schools from hosting non-academic events or assemblies organized by unauthorized outsiders. The directive also bans schools from celebrating leaders who have not been officially notified by the government.

The new measures come in the wake of recent incidents where political party members visited schools and interacted with students across some districts. In one specific instance in Karur, school heads played a speech by C Joseph Vijay for the children.

Under the refined guidelines, schools are strictly barred from holding assemblies in auditoriums or playgrounds for any non-academic events that are organized by "outsiders" or individuals who are unauthorized by the school education department. Furthermore, the guidelines explicitly prohibit organizers of such events from distributing food or gifts to students. They are also barred from meeting with students during regular class hours.

While the official guidelines do not explicitly define the term "outsider," officials from the School Education Department clarified that any individual or organization not directly connected to the department fits into this category.

An official with the directorate of elementary schools explained that the restriction is primarily aimed at political party members and private individuals who enter and exit school premises to interact with students.

According to the official, these new rules serve as a refined version of guidelines that were originally issued in 2024. Those earlier guidelines were introduced after a major controversy was triggered by a speech from a motivational speaker regarding persons with disabilities.

The current ban aims to prevent political figures and other unauthorized individuals from interacting with students, hosting events on school grounds, distributing items, or meeting with students during school hours.