Screenshot: Tamil Nadu Minister S. Keerthana inspecting a government school in Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district on July 2, 2026 | Photo credit: Special Arrangement
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has asked everyone not to conduct unnecessary inspections of government institutions, Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar said on Tuesday (July 7, 2026).
This followed a backlash over a video inspection conducted by Industries Minister S Keerthana at a government school in Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district on July 2, where students were questioned and criticized for their reaction.
In a letter to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), DMK Rajya Sabha MP Salma noted the visit and said it was against India’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). She said the minister, by publishing the exposed video of the student, violated NCPCR guidelines on media coverage of children. It was also a violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
“The viral spread of a video of a high-ranking government official abusing a child has caused and continues to cause significant mental and emotional distress, embarrassment, stigma and potential bullying by peers,” she said.
Claiming the act was insensitive and wrong, she said: “This may damage the trust of the student victim and other young students who witnessed the incident in person or digitally. It is a complete disregard for her position and work for the public good.”
“Formulate rules for official visits to schools and colleges”
The Tamil Nadu Children’s Rights Watch (TNCRW) has called on School Education Minister Rajmohan to formulate guidelines to regulate official visits to educational institutions and prevent intimidation, public humiliation and misuse of schools for publicity purposes.
Its coordinator, Jesu Retinam, said: “Comprehensive guidelines should be issued to govern visits by ministers, elected representatives and public figures to educational institutions, with clearly defined educational objectives and protocols. Moreover, public questioning, comparison, ridicule or humiliation of students and teachers during official visits should be prohibited.”
TNCRW also wanted a child-friendly protocol for official visits after consultation with child rights experts, educationists, psychologists and the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. “The use of school premises, classrooms, students or teachers for commercials, political messages, etc. for personal, political or organizational advertising should be prohibited,” said TNCRW co-chairman A. Devaneyan.
Published – Jul 7, 2026 9:14 pm EST.