Ahmedabad, Oct. 23 -- The Gujarat government has barred outsiders from entering government school premises without prior written permission from the institution's head and made the principal's written approval mandatory for any photography or videography involving students or teachers.

According to the state education department circular dated October 21, all visitors must log their details in an entry register. Access to classrooms, laboratories, libraries, playgrounds, and toilets where students are present would require prior written permission. Also, they must be accompanied by school officials at all times during the visit.

The department has cited the government's responsibility to protect children under the principle of in loco p...