Ashok Gehlot demands rollback of Rajasthan school media ban order
Synopsis
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has demanded the immediate rollback of a state government order banning media access to government schools without prior permission — and is publicly questioning whether Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma or the Cabinet even approved it. The move puts the BJP-led state government on the defensive over transparency in public education.
Key Takeaways
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot on 18 August demanded immediate withdrawal of the state's order restricting photography and media access in government schools.
The order bars entry to schools for photography, videography, and media activities without prior official permission.
Gehlot publicly questioned whether Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma or the full state Cabinet approved the directive.
He warned the restrictions undermine transparency and the credibility of the state Education Department.
Gehlot called for structural reforms including measures to prevent paper leaks, rather than media curbs.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday, 18 August demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Rajasthan state government's order barring photography, videography, and other media activities inside government schools without prior official permission. Gehlot questioned both the rationale and the decision-making process behind the directive, calling it a blow to transparency in education.
What the Order Restricts
The state government's directive prohibits media personnel and others from entering government schools or conducting any photography or videography on school premises without prior approval. Gehlot argued that such curbs go against the spirit of open governance and could hamper accountability in the functioning of public educational institutions.
'You have barred the media from entering. No one else can go in either without permission. Schools have so many operational needs. Yet you say no one can enter without permission,' he said.
Gehlot Questions Cabinet Approval
The Congress leader also raised pointed questions about whether the order had the backing of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma or the full state Cabinet. 'Did the Ministers consult the Chief Minister? Did the entire Cabinet advise on this order? Was this a collective Cabinet decision? We want to know,' Gehlot said, pressing for clarity on the chain of authority behind the directive.
Broader Concern: Education Reform and Transparency
Gehlot framed the controversy within a larger argument about the state of public education in India. He called for structural reforms — particularly measures to prevent paper leaks — and said education should be strengthened through openness, not restrictions. 'The education sector needs radical transformation. We need reforms that prevent paper leaks and bring an entirely new approach to education, sending a message to the world that India gives priority to education,' he said.
He added that education and healthcare remain the two foremost concerns for ordinary citizens, and that the order further undermined the credibility of the state's Education Department. Notably, Rajasthan's government schools have faced recurring scrutiny over infrastructure gaps and examination irregularities in recent years.
Gehlot's Demand
The former Chief Minister was unequivocal in his demand: 'The order should be withdrawn.' He urged the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led government to prioritise transparency and reform over administrative gatekeeping, warning that media restrictions in schools set a damaging precedent for public accountability in the sector.
The state government is yet to formally respond to Gehlot's demand. How the ruling dispensation addresses the political pressure — and whether it revisits the order — will be closely watched by education advocates and opposition leaders alike.
Point of View
And politically tone-deaf at worst. Issuing such a directive without clear Cabinet ownership — something Gehlot has now forced into the open — signals either poor inter-departmental coordination or an intent to limit scrutiny of school infrastructure and functioning. Either reading is damaging. Public schools are publicly funded institutions; media access is not a privilege to be rationed by bureaucratic fiat. The BJP-led state government's silence on the approval chain will only deepen the perception that this order was reactive rather than considered.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rajasthan government order that Ashok Gehlot is opposing?
The Rajasthan state government issued an order prohibiting photography, videography, and media activities inside government schools without prior official permission. Gehlot has called it a restriction on transparency and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
Why is Gehlot questioning whether the Cabinet approved the order?
Gehlot has raised doubts about the decision-making process, publicly asking whether Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma was consulted and whether the full Cabinet collectively approved the directive. He argued that such a significant policy move should have clear political ownership.
What reforms did Gehlot call for in Rajasthan's education sector?
Gehlot called for structural reforms including stronger measures to prevent paper leaks and a broader overhaul of the education system. He argued that transparency and reform — not access restrictions — are what public schools need.
Has the Rajasthan government responded to Gehlot's demand?
As of the time of reporting, the state government had not formally responded to Gehlot's demand to roll back the order. The ruling dispensation's next move will be closely watched by opposition leaders and education advocates.
Why does media access to government schools matter?
Media access to government schools serves as a key accountability mechanism, allowing journalists to document infrastructure conditions, mid-day meal quality, teacher attendance, and other governance indicators. Restricting such access without clear justification raises concerns about transparency in the use of public funds.
