CMO Restricts School Inspections After Minister Mocks Sivakasi Student

On Tuesday, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) issued a directive advising officials against conducting unnecessary inspections of government institutions. This decision followed intense public backlash over a viral video showing Industries Minister S. Keerthana questioning and mocking a student during an inspection at a government school in Sivakasi.

Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar announced the CMO's directive on Tuesday. The controversy began after video footage of Minister Keerthana's school visit was shared online, showing students being criticized and questioned for their responses.

In response to the incident, Rajya Sabha Member Salma sent a formal complaint to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). Salma flagged the visit as contrary to India’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). She noted that releasing the unmasked video of the student violated the NCPCR’s guidelines on reporting children in the media.

According to Salma, the minister's actions also violated the Right to Education (RTE) Act, fundamental constitutional rights, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

"The viral circulation of the video, wherein a senior government functionary is seen mocking the child, has caused, and continues to cause, severe mental and emotional distress, embarrassment, stigmatisation, and potential bullying by peers," Salma wrote in her letter. She added that the act was insensitive, misconceived, and detrimental to the confidence of the victim and other students.

Following the backlash, the Tamil Nadu Child Rights Watch (TNCRW) urged School Education Minister Rajmohan to formulate comprehensive guidelines to regulate official visits to educational institutions. The organization aims to prevent intimidation, public humiliation, and the misuse of schools for publicity.

TNCRW convener Jesu Rethinam stated that future visits by ministers, elected representatives, and public personalities must have clearly defined educational objectives and protocols. "Further, public questioning, comparison, ridicule or humiliation of students and teachers during official visits must be prohibited," Rethinam said.

Additionally, TNCRW co-convener A. Devaneyan called for a ban on using school premises, classrooms, students, or teachers for social media reels, political messaging, or personal publicity. The group has requested that a child-friendly protocol be formulated in consultation with child rights experts, educationists, psychologists, and the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.