In a move to improve the academic atmosphere, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has declared a prohibition on mobile phone usage by students in both government and private schools in the state effective March 1. Students caught with a mobile phone will be fined Rs 500 and have the device confiscated. Parents will be required to attend school counseling sessions as part of the new regulations.
The ban was announced during the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls Handball Tournament in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur district. Chief Minister Sukhu stressed the government’s commitment to providing top-notch education for local students to compete globally. Under the new rules, students will not be allowed to bring mobile devices to school.
To ensure compliance, strict measures will be in place, with violators facing a fine and device confiscation. The Education Department will develop a standard operating procedure to address repeated breaches and ensure parental attendance at counseling sessions. Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the distraction caused by mobile phones during school hours and lunch breaks, emphasizing the importance of quality education.
The government also aims to boost sports and sports tourism, offering job opportunities to female athletes who have represented the state in the Asian Games. A cash prize of Rs 20 lakh was announced to celebrate the Himachal team’s victory in the National Handball Championship. Additionally, student-athletes will receive increased daily diet allowances and air travel for competitions over 200 km. Infrastructure goals were outlined, including the completion of an indoor stadium and a new girls’ hostel.
