Staff to deposit phones, students barred from bringing devices
TNR News Network
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has issued new orders banning the use of mobile phones by both teachers and students during school hours.
According to the directive, teachers will have to deposit their phones in the staff room before entering classrooms, while students will not be allowed to bring phones from home.
Officials said the move comes after complaints that most of the time and attention of both teachers and students were being spent on mobile phones. School heads have been instructed to monitor the rule regularly and take disciplinary action in case of violations.
Mobile use linked to stress, health issues
School Education Director Ashish Kohli said mobile phones have become a major distraction in classrooms, affecting the quality of teaching and learning. He said that constant phone use is leading to problems such as anxiety, stress, disturbed sleep, social isolation, weak eyesight and ear-related issues among students.
Schools have been told to display notices about the ban on their premises so that all teachers, students and parents are aware of the rules.
English medium extended to Class 6
In a separate decision, the government has announced that English-medium instruction will be extended to Class VI in government schools from the 2025-26 session. Currently, Classes I to V are already taught in English. One class will be added every year, with the aim of covering Classes I to X by 2030.
The Education Department has issued letters to all district deputy directors and directed publication of English-medium textbooks. Director Ashish Kohli said existing teachers will be trained to teach in English, with no separate recruitment required. Science, Mathematics and Drawing will be taught in English, while students will have the option to study Social Studies in either English or Hindi.
