Political Programmes Continue in Tripura Schools Despite Government Restrictions, Classes Allegedly Hampered

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 31, 2026

Despite clear restrictions imposed by the Tripura School Education Department against the use of school premises for political activities, political programmes, rallies and gatherings are reportedly continuing in many schools across the state, raising serious concerns among guardians, teachers and educationists over the disruption of academic activities.

Official guidelines issued by the Directorate of Secondary Education categorically prohibit the use of school buildings, classrooms, playgrounds, conference halls and auditoriums for political functions, rallies and meetings. The guidelines were introduced to ensure that educational institutions remain focused on teaching and learning activities and that students are not affected by non-academic events. The department had also made it clear that no programme should interfere with normal classroom teaching, examinations, publication of results or any other educational activities.

In a memorandum issued by the Education Department, authorities reiterated that no school resources, including playgrounds, should be used by political parties or organizers for conducting political programmes. The department further warned that Headmasters and Teachers-in-Charge allowing such activities would face strict action. The memorandum emphasized that obtaining permission from the competent authority is mandatory even for permissible programmes and that schools should ordinarily be made available only during holidays or after school hours.

However, despite these clear directives, allegations have surfaced from different districts that political programmes continue to be held in school campuses. In several cases, such events are reportedly taking place in a manner that affects normal school functioning, creating disturbances during class hours and causing inconvenience to students and teachers. The movement of large gatherings, public address systems and associated activities are said to be disrupting the academic atmosphere in some institutions.

The issue has sparked concern among parents and guardians, many of whom believe that schools should remain free from political activities. They argue that educational institutions are meant exclusively for imparting education and should not be converted into venues for political programmes. Educationists have also stressed that allowing political events in school premises undermines the sanctity of educational institutions and contradicts the government's own policy directives.

The Education Department's guidelines issued on January 19, 2022 clearly state that educational programmes and school-related activities must receive top priority and that no activity should be allowed to hamper classroom teaching. The directives further empower authorities to cancel permissions whenever necessary and require school authorities to immediately report any unauthorized programme to higher officials and local administration.

As reports of continued political activities in school premises emerge from various parts of Tripura, questions are being raised over the enforcement of the government's own orders. Many stakeholders are now demanding stricter monitoring and stronger action against violations to ensure that students' education is not affected and that schools remain dedicated to their primary purpose of learning and academic development.

The continuing allegations have once again brought the issue into public focus, with growing calls for the Education Department and district authorities to ensure strict implementation of the existing guidelines and protect educational institutions from activities that may interfere with the academic interests of students.

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