No non-academic events in school premises, says T.N. govt.

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has directed officials and principals on Friday (July 10, 2026) to not hold any kind of event that is non-academic in the school premises.

“Any sort of celebrations or messaging should not be permitted in the school campuses whether they are in playgrounds or open spaces,” the department said in a circular.

This circular comes after backlash over multiple reports of school premises being used for celebration of political leaders, including the birthday of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, where many schools and students were involved.

It is to be noted that the department had issued guidelines in 2024 on holding any kind of extra curricular activity or involvement of other organisations in the schools following the Mahavishnu row.

Tamil Nadu has over 1.3 crore students in schools, the department said, reiterating that school premises should not be used for holding political, communal, separatist and non-educational events, meetings and campaigns. “Only educational and co-curricular activities can be conducted in schools to ensure the overall educational development of students,” it added.

Pointing out that the recent reports are creating political bias in students’ minds, the department said that no birthday celebrations of leaders other than those announced by the government shall be held in the school premises or school students shall be taken to or allowed to participate in such celebrations.

Also Read | How to build an enabling school culture

“No events of any kind, including sports competitions, medical camps, art shows among others shall be held in the school premises in connection with such celebrations. Furthermore, the provision of food items and gifts shall be completely avoided,” the circular further stated.