India Legal News: Gujarat Bans Mobile Phones in Schools and Colleges

As per India legal news reports in August 2010, the Gujarat government has banned the use of cell phones in schools and colleges. The ban has been imposed on all educational institutes, in accordance with a resolution, passed on July 28, 2010. The resolution was passed by the Gujarat’s State Education Department. Gujarat has become the first state in India to pass such a resolution. The resolution is reported to have been passed to check distractions caused by mobile phones in educational institutions.

India Legal News: Teachers Also Barred from Using Cell Phones in Classrooms

Based on India legal news reports, this resolution bars school students from bringing mobile phones to schools. It also bars the teachers, other staff members, parents and visitors from using mobile phones inside and around classrooms. However, the resolution allows the college students to carry cell phones, inside the college premises. They are not allowed to use it in places where no educational activities are being conducted. Also, the use of mobile phones in libraries, laboratories and classrooms, will be prohibited.

According to an official of the education department, the decision of banning cell phones in educational institutes has been taken after much consideration. Also, the decision was taken to reduce the disturbance, caused by the use of mobile phones.

However, the Vice-Chancellor of the Gujarat University, Parimal Trivedi, stated that he has not received any official communication about the matter, from the State Government. Further he was unwilling to comment on the issue, until any official circular, pertaining to the matter, is received. Also, most of the institutes were not willing to say anything on the matter.

India legal news reports indicate that the Gujarat government has directed the authorities of educational institutes, to provide the land-line phone services, within the premises, for students and staff members.