As per the recent Model Code of Conduct issued by the Directorate of Education, "association with any banned organisation" has been described as a "forbidden practice" and may lead to either denial of admission to a new student or expulsion of an existing student if such a fact is discovered.
The circular which also lists "holding of any protest demonstration", a forbidden practice, does not describe about the definition of "banned" organisations.
"There are a host of guidelines under the model code of conduct for students which are handed over to them at the time of admission or commencement of new academic session. These also include association with any banned outfit or organisation," a senior DoE official said on the condition of anonymity.
Other pointers mentioned in the model code include --absence from classes without permission, bullying, rowdyism and rude behavior, eve-teasing, smoking, chewing gutkha, use of drugs, gambling and bringing electronic gadgets including mobile phones to schools.
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The penalty prescribed for violation of the guidelines range from written warning to student and parents, suspension for a specified period to expulsion or rustication from school.
The model code, which is applicable for students from nursery to class 12, has attracted the ire of civil rights groups which have demanded that the clause be withdrawn.
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Atishi Marlena, Advisor to Education Minister Manish Sisodia, said the reference to banned outfits in the circular should not be seen as to "terror outfits".
"The reference (in the circular) to banned outfits should not be seen as that to terror outfits. It refers to local groups which have caused incidents of indiscipline and violence in the past in certain schools," she added.