No political flags, banners, posters, scarves, or any form of promotional material affiliated with any political party will be allowed within school premises

kiranmai tutika I amaravati

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to ban all political activities in school. The Andhra Pradesh School Education Department has issued strict directives banning all political symbols and activities within school premises. The decision, announced by School Education Director Vijay Rama Raju, aims to ensure that educational institutions remain apolitical and focused solely on students' learning.

“No political flags, banners, posters, scarves, or any form of promotional material affiliated with any political party will be allowed within school premises. The classroom is a space for education, not for politics. We are taking these steps to protect the sanctity of the academic atmosphere,” said Director Vijay Rama Raju.

The order further prohibits unauthorized individuals or groups from entering schools. Only students, staff, parents, and members of the School Management Committee (SMC) are permitted on campus. This restriction came in the wake of reports that external individuals have been entering school premises under the guise of offering donations or distributing gifts, often disrupting academic routines.

“It has come to our attention that certain people, claiming to provide donations or gifts, are directly interacting with students and interfering with classroom activities,” the director noted. “Such actions are unacceptable and must be immediately curbed.”

To address the issue of unauthorized outreach, the government has clarified that anyone wishing to donate materials or support schools must do so through the school headmaster. Under no circumstances should outsiders be allowed into classrooms or engage in conversations with students. Even well-intentioned acts like clicking photos with students are now strictly prohibited.

Any complaints, appeals, or formal requests are to be submitted only through the school’s administrative office. The directive makes it clear that no external party should directly approach students, teachers, or other school staff with grievances or proposals.

The Director of School Education has issued explicit instructions to all District Education Officers (DEOs) and field-level functionaries to ensure immediate and rigorous enforcement of these new guidelines across the state, without any exception. This move is being widely seen as part of a broader effort by the state government to depoliticize public institutions and reinforce the sanctity of educational spaces.

T. Narayana Shanker, a retired headmaster of a government high school in Vijayawada, “This is a much-needed policy. Schools must be kept free from any political influence. Let the children learn in peace. There are several instances in the past where we requested the higher authorities to keep politics away from schools, but no one considered it. Now, it may look like a simple decision but it’s going to make a great change in students' lives.”