Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh bans mobile phones in schools from March 1, ₹500 fine for students
Students across nearly 18,000 government and private schools in Himachal Pradesh will not be allowed to bring mobile phones to school premises from March 1, as the state government on Thursday announced a complete ban on student mobile phone use to improve academic focus and safeguard their wellbeing.
Students across nearly 18,000 government and private schools in Himachal Pradesh will not be allowed to bring mobile phones to school premises from March 1, as the state government on Thursday announced a complete ban on student mobile phone use to improve academic focus and safeguard their wellbeing.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made the announcement while addressing the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls’ Handball Tournament at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district.
The move comes amid growing concerns over excessive screen time among children and its impact on mental health and studies. The Chief Minister also referred to a recent tragic incident in Ghaziabad, where three sisters allegedly died by suicide due to mobile gaming addiction, underscoring the urgent need for preventive steps.
Strict penalties for violations
Under the new rules:
- Students found carrying mobile phones will be fined Rs 500
- The device will be confiscated
- Parents will be called for mandatory counselling
To ensure effective implementation, the Education Department has been directed to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), including measures to deal with repeat violations.
Ban covers all government and private schools
The decision will apply to:
- 14,678 government schools
- 9,943 primary
- 1,786 middle
- 961 high
- 1,988 senior secondary
- More than 3,000 private schools
Officials said mobile phone use during classes and even lunch breaks had become a major distraction, affecting both studies and social interaction among students.
Focus on discipline and learning
“We are committed to ensuring a disciplined and healthy academic environment. Improving the quality of education remains our top priority,” Sukhu said.
The government believes the measure will help protect the state’s educational progress. Himachal’s literacy rate improved from 82.8% (2011 Census) to 93.3% (NFHS-5, 2019–21), and authorities say such gains must be preserved.
