The Tamil Nadu government has announced a ban on political, ideological and communal events on private school campuses, aiming to ensure that educational institutions remain neutral spaces focused on learning and student development.
The School Education Department issued a government order on March 2, introducing amendments to the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Rules. The decision is intended to ensure that school infrastructure is used mainly for academic activities and student welfare.
Under the revised regulations, school buildings, playgrounds and halls cannot be used for meetings, campaigns, or programmes organised by external individuals or organisations that promote political, ideological, communal, or divisive agendas.
The ban will apply at all times, including after school hours, weekends, public holidays and vacation periods. Authorities said the order specifically targets activities that may create disharmony or ill-will based on religion, caste, race, language, or community.
However, the government clarified that non-political and non-sectarian programmes can still be conducted on school premises. Activities such as blood donation camps, cultural programmes and social service initiatives may be allowed if they receive prior approval from the competent authority and are organised under the direct supervision of school management.
The amendment comes after a controversy involving a private school in Cuddalore. In December 2025, the school allowed an organisation to conduct a camp on its campus during the winter holidays.
Following this, the School Education Department issued a show-cause notice. The school management later challenged the notice in the Madras High Court, arguing that earlier regulations restricted such activities only during school hours.
The newly amended rules aim to close this legal gap and prevent school premises from being used for activities unrelated to education.
Officials said the measure reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining schools as neutral academic environments, ensuring that students are not influenced by political or ideological programmes conducted by external groups.
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