Himachal restricts use of cell phones in schools, colleges

SHIMLA In order to curtail use of mobile phones in academic institutions, the higher education department of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday issued directions restriction their use by students, teachers and staff members. The department argues that this being done to “maintain academic environment” in schools and colleges.

Students, teachers and staff members have been instructed not to use mobile phones in classes or anywhere in the academic block. It was apparently observed that use of mobile phones in classroom areas disturb smooth conduction of classes. At times, teachers and students have also been found answering calls during classes.

Director higher education BL Vinta said the department has not banned mobile phone completely, but has only placed certain restrictions on its use. “We are barring children from using phones. It has been noticed that sometimes teachers also use phone in the classroom or outside it, thus disturbing others,” he said.

He added that though mobile phones have become part of our lives but they cannot be allowed to harm the decorum of our educational institutions.

Students, teachers and staff members can however use their mobile phons in places away from the classrooms like staff room or playgrounds, so that its use does not disturb classes.

“A teacher using phone inside a classroom, instead of teaching, won’t be accepted,” Vinta said.

He added college and school principals will be asked to comply with these orders and during inspection these instruction will also be kept in mind.

Meanwhile, in Shimla there are already schools where teachers are not allowed to carry mobile phones to classes. A teacher of a Shimla-based school, requesting anonymity, said, “We have to submit our phones in the staff room after entering the school. We are not allowed to carry them to classes.”