Move aims to instil discipline in educational institutions
TNR News Network
Shimla:
Students in Himachal Pradesh’s government schools will be rusticated if found carrying mobile phones or other electronic gadgets on campus, as the state government has announced a sweeping ban aimed at restoring classroom discipline.
The new rules, effective January 1, 2026, also bar teachers from using social media during school hours and mandate that their phones remain on silent mode.
The education department has prohibited students from bringing any personal electronic device, including mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness bands, headphones, tablets, music players and gaming gadgets, into school premises. The notification, issued by Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, amends para 2.32 (B) of the School Education Code to enforce stricter controls on gadget use in educational institutions.
Only rare exceptions for health, safety
The department said unchecked use of mobile phones has been affecting students’ concentration, discipline and the overall academic atmosphere. However, limited exceptions will be allowed in cases involving serious health or safety concerns. For such permission, parents will have to submit a written request, following which approval may be granted by the school principal or head of the institution.
Even in these exceptional cases, students will not be allowed to keep the phone with them. The device must be deposited at a designated place in the school and calls may be made only from there, the order clarifies.
Penalties, fines and expulsion
The government has adopted a tough stance on violations. Any student found in possession of a mobile phone or other banned electronic devices will face disciplinary action. Repeated violations could lead to expulsion from the school. The rules also allow school management committees to impose monetary penalties on erring students, subject to their approval.
The restrictions extend to teachers as well. The use of mobile phones during classroom teaching, laboratory work, examinations or any academic activity has been prohibited. Limited use will be permitted only for academic purposes, official applications, digital content, attendance marking or emergencies.
Use of social media, gaming apps, entertainment platforms or viewing non-academic audio or video content during school hours has been completely banned. Recording photos or videos without permission will not be allowed. The responsibility of enforcing these norms will rest with the school principal or head, with disciplinary action likely to be taken even against them in case of failure to act.
