Mobile Phones Banned In Classrooms For Teachers In Haridwar

The latest decision was taken after the complaint of parents, along with strict action will be taken for non-compliance of orders.

Teacher working in a school (File photo: AFP)

New Delhi: In a new order issued by District Magistrate Vinay Shankar Pandey with immediate effect, the teachers in Haridwar will have to submit their mobile phones to the principal as soon as they enter the school, as reported by news agency ANI.

The latest decision was taken after the complaint of parents, along with strict action will be taken for non-compliance of orders. At the same time, to use the phone in emergency, the teacher will have to take permission from the principal.

“The complaints were found to be true in surprise checks by administrative officials. The teachers were found to be busy on social media, exchanging messages or playing games on their phones,” the order issued on March 22 said.

The DM has clearly said in his order that he himself can make a surprise inspection of the schools at any time to see if the orders are being followed in the schools. In such a situation, if a teacher uses a mobile, then he himself will be responsible, as well as action will be taken against the principal of the school.

If a teacher has a family member who is ill or there is such a situation that he/she can get a call at any time, then he/she can keep the phone close to him/her only in special circumstances to use the phone after taking permission from principal.

Rajendra Baliyan, a retired teacher and academic activist, said, “Such a step to instill a sense of discipline among teachers in educational institutions had never been taken earlier.”

A principal, on the condition of anonymity, said, “Such an order was uncalled for. Teachers do not use mobile phones in classrooms, or in any other manner that harms students’ interests.”