Unauthorised entry of YouTubers, social media users barred in schools in UP's Balrampur

The Basic Education Department in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur district has barred the entry of unauthorised outsiders, YouTubers and social media users into government-run schools without permission from competent authorities, drawing criticism from educationists and social organisations.

An order issued by District Basic Education Officer Vikas Chandra Srivastava on August 17 said some outsiders and YouTubers were entering council-run schools without authorisation and taking photographs and videos of schools and staff before sharing them on social media.

Such activities were affecting teaching and learning, hurting the dignity of the teaching profession and tarnishing the image of the department, the order said.

It said officials had already been designated at the district and block levels to inspect and monitor council-run schools from time to time.

"In view of the safety and interests of students, entry of all such outsiders into council-run schools should be prohibited with immediate effect," the order said.

It directed teachers to ensure that no outsider, YouTuber or person associated with social media is allowed to enter a school to take photographs or make videos without permission from the competent authority.

The order, however, said officials visiting schools for inspection should sign the visitor register.

The move has drawn criticism from several educationists and social organisations, who said restrictions on public access could affect transparency and monitoring of schools.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, former dean of Maa Pateshwari University, termed the order "dictatorial", arguing that public scrutiny was necessary to assess the quality of education and implementation of schemes such as the mid-day meal programme.

"If people are prevented from visiting schools, how will they know whether children are being taught properly or whether they are getting quality mid-day meals?" he said.

Former president of the Siddharth University Teachers' Association Arvind Kumar Dwivedi said public monitoring was necessary to ascertain whether teachers were attending schools and whether children were facing any problems.

He said public scrutiny was also important to check whether children were receiving the benefits of government schemes and to identify schools in a dilapidated condition that could pose a safety risk.

"Greater transparency by the government and administration will increase public trust," Dwivedi said.

Social worker Devesh Chandra Srivastava welcomed the restriction on outsiders entering schools, saying their presence could disrupt teaching, but said parents should not be barred from visiting schools.

He suggested that the education department should direct principals and teachers to hold meetings with parents every one or two months to discuss children's academic progress and work towards improving their future.

The district basic education officer defended the order, saying the entry of outsiders into schools was causing disruption to teaching and learning, and the restrictions had therefore been issued.