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The Andhra Pradesh School Education director Vijay Rama Raju on Friday, August 1, issued an order prohibiting the display of political symbols or graffiti in school premises. The order also restricted entry of people with political affiliations in school premises.
‘The display of any political symbols or materials, including flags, shawls, banners or posters related to political parties or organisations are strictly prohibited within school premises,’ the order reads.
The official directed all the regional joint directors and district educational officers in the state that no individual or group, other than parents or members of School Management Committee (SMC) shall be permitted entry into the school premises under any circumstances.
‘If any contributions or materials in kind are to be given, they shall be submitted directly to the headmaster/headmistress without interacting with children or entering the classrooms. Photographs with children are strictly prohibited,’ the order further reads.
The order comes in wake of unauthorised individuals and groups entering school premises without prior permission from the head of the institution. ‘Such unauthorised entry even for giving gifts/donations to the students/schools, except by parents and SMC members, which are causing disruptions to the ongoing academic activities are not permitted,’ director Vijay Rama said.
The current order comes a few months after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) led government banned uniforms with party colours. In March 2025, Andhra Pradesh Human Resource Development (HRD) minister Nara Lokesh announced that students in Andhra will wear new uniforms free from party colours, leader's images, and government branding.
Lokesh’s statement was a reference to the blue and white school uniforms during YSR Congress Party (YSRCP)’s rule in Andhra Pradesh between 2019 and 2024. The blue and white uniforms were introduced in the 2020-21 academic year at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the YSRCP led government’s Jagan-Anna Vidya Kanuka scheme, school kits were named after former CM and YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy. His photos were also featured on school kits.
(With IANS inputs)