Date:08/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/08/stories/2007100851560300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Order issued on mobile phone ban in schools

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The State Government has issued an order banning use of mobile phones in government, private aided and unaided schools and pre-university colleges, with immediate effect.

The widespread use of mobile phones to listen to music, to play games and to send SMS was seen as diversions to academics and thus a justification for the ban.

The ban will also apply to teaching and non-teaching staff. Every institution will have to form a committee headed by the school/college principal to implement the ban. While the panel will have the principal as president, a senior lecturer and a physical education instructor will be the members. The committee will be responsible to ensure that cellphones are not allowed inside the campus.