Freeing Schools from Political Influence in West Bengal

Government of West Bengal
School Education Department

No. 1368-ES/S/10M-134/11 dated 16.11.2011

NOTIFICATION

Whereas it has been reported to the Government that about 35 minor students of a South Kolkata School were waylaid on their way to the school and induced to join a rally organised by a political party without knowledge or consent of their guardians or the school authorities on the pretext of showing them places of tourist attraction in the city;

And whereas it has also been reported to the Government that repeated incidents of violence and indiscipline in educational institutions are fuelled largely by petty political considerations and idiosyncrasies;

And Whereas the State Government has considered it necessary to ensure that the entire system of school education need to be free of political influence to address spontaneous public outcry against use of educational institutions and minor school children for political purposes;

Now, Therefore, in exercise of the power conferred by sub-section (2) of section 35 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (No. 35 of 2009) read with section 107 of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education Act, 1973 (West Bengal Act XLIII of 1973) and section 47 of the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education Act, 1973 (West Bengal Act V of 1963), the Governor is pleased hereby to direct:-

a) that no premises of any Government school or Government recognized aided or unaided school shall be used for any political purpose within school hours;

b) that no teacher of any Government school or Government recognised aided or unaided school shall take part in and promote either directly or indirectly any political activity within school premises during school hours;

c) that no students of any Government schools or Government recognised aided or unaided school shall take part in any political activity or join any political rally within or outside the school premises during school hours;

d) that the authority including managing committee of any Government recognized aided or unaided school shall ensure:-

i) that the premises of such schools are not used for any political purpose or activity within school hours as mentioned in clause (a);

ii) that the teachers of such schools are not allowed to take part in any political activity within school premises within school hours as mentioned in clause (b);

iii) that the students of such schools are not taken out of the school to take part in any political activity or join any political rally within or outside school premises within school hours as mentioned in clause (c).

This is in order to restore and maintain the dignity, sanctity and peaceful academic atmosphere in educational institutions in the State of West Bengal.

By order of the Governor,

Sd/- VIKRAM SEN
Secretary to the Govt. of West Bengal

No. 1368-ES dated 16.11.2011