In a significant move aimed at enhancing educational focus and student well-being, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced a comprehensive ban on the use of mobile phones by students in all government and private schools across the state, effective from March 1, 2026. The decision was unveiled by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls Handball Tournament held in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur district.
Strict Penalties for Violations
To enforce this ban, the state has implemented stringent measures. Any student found using a mobile phone during school hours will face a fine of Rs 500, and the device will be confiscated. This step is part of a broader initiative to curb distractions and promote a more conducive learning environment.
Addressing Distractions and Enhancing Education
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that the ban is necessary due to observations that mobile phone usage during lunch breaks and school hours often diverts students from their academic pursuits and interpersonal development. He stated, "It has been observed that mobile phone usage during lunch breaks and school hours distracts students from their studies and interpersonal growth." The government is committed to providing world-class education that enables students to compete globally, and this ban is seen as a crucial step in that direction.
Parental Involvement and SOP Development
In addition to the ban, parents will be required to attend mandatory counselling sessions at schools to ensure they understand and support the new policy. The Education Department has been tasked with drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address repeated violations, ensuring long-term compliance and effectiveness of the measure.
Broader Educational and Infrastructure Initiatives
The announcement was made in the context of several other initiatives highlighted by the Chief Minister. Drawing on his own background as a product of the government school system, Sukhu reaffirmed his dedication to prioritizing education quality. He also announced plans to bring schools in Barthin, Gehadvi, and Jhandutta under the CBSE curriculum, aiming to standardize and improve educational outcomes.
Promoting Sports and Infrastructure Development
During the event, Sukhu underscored the state's aggressive push to promote sports and sports tourism. He announced employment opportunities for female athletes from Himachal Pradesh who have recently competed in the Asian Games, and a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh to celebrate the Himachal team's victory in the National Handball Championship. Infrastructure goals were also laid out, including the expedited completion of an indoor stadium in Ghumarwin and a local school building within the next year, as well as the construction of a new girls' hostel at Morsingi.
Financial and Administrative Announcements
In a public meeting at Barthin in the Jhandutta Assembly constituency, Sukhu announced Rs 2.5 crore for the construction of the Re-Radoh bridge and a bridge at Dadhog Tappay village. Other announcements included the opening of a sub-tehsil at Talai, a cooperative bank at Malhot, and the upgradation of the Primary Health Centre at Kalol. The CM also provided financial assistance of Rs 31,000 each to 16 families affected by a road accident at Bhallu Ghat bridge and honoured the family of late Shaurya Chakra awardee Baldev Chand.
Political and Economic Context
Sukhu criticized the previous BJP government, accusing it of spending Rs 5,000 crore for political gain instead of public welfare and leaving the current Congress government with Rs 50,000 crore in additional liabilities, including loans. He highlighted that while his government took loans of Rs 23,000 crore, it repaid Rs 26,000 crore towards principal and interest, claiming to have created new income sources and shut doors on corruption. He also noted that constitutional grants to Himachal Pradesh have been stopped, and 68% of the state's forest land limits development on the remaining 32%.
Event Highlights and Dignitaries
The 69th National School Games concluded with the Himachal Pradesh team winning a gold medal after defeating Rajasthan in the final, while Haryana secured third place, with participation from 30 teams nationwide. The event was attended by Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, former MLAs Bumbar Thakur and Biru Ram Kishore, District Congress president Anjana Dhiman, Congress leader Subhash Dadhwalia, Bilaspur Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar, SP Sandeep Dhawal, and other dignitaries. Earlier, the CM inaugurated the administrative building of the Government Polytechnic, Kalol, named after Param Vir Chakra awardee Naib Subedar Sanjay Kumar, constructed at a cost of Rs 3.30 crore.
