Students across Himachal Pradesh will no longer be allowed to carry mobile phones to school premises starting March 1, following a major policy decision announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday. The ban will apply uniformly to all government and private schools in the state, covering nearly 18,000 educational institutions.
The decision comes amid growing national concern over excessive mobile phone usage among children, particularly after a tragic incident in Delhi where three sisters reportedly died by suicide due to addiction to mobile gaming. The incident has intensified discussions around digital dependency and its impact on young minds.
Chief Minister Sukhu said the move aims to create a more focused academic atmosphere while safeguarding students’ mental and emotional well-being. He observed that frequent mobile phone use during school hours and even lunch breaks has increasingly distracted students from studies and reduced meaningful peer interaction.
Under the new rule, any student found carrying a mobile phone on school premises will face a fine of ₹500, and the device will be confiscated. In addition, parents of such students will be required to attend mandatory counselling sessions at the school. The state’s Education Department has been directed to draft a Standard Operating Procedure to handle repeated violations and ensure consistent enforcement across districts.
Himachal Pradesh has a vast school network, with 14,678 government schools that include primary, middle, high, and senior secondary institutions. Alongside these, more than 3,000 private schools operate across the state, all of which will be required to implement the ban without exception.
The state has made significant progress in education over the years. While the literacy rate stood at 82.80 per cent according to the 2011 Census, it rose sharply to 93.3 per cent as per the National Family Health Survey conducted between 2019 and 2021. Officials believe that sustaining this growth now requires stronger emphasis on quality education and disciplined learning environments.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls Handball Tournament held at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated that the government’s intention is not punitive but preventive, focused on nurturing healthier habits among students.
Education experts have largely welcomed the decision, describing it as a timely intervention to curb screen addiction and promote classroom engagement. However, some parents have called for clear communication mechanisms between schools and families, especially in emergency situations.
With this move, Himachal Pradesh joins a growing list of states attempting to strike a balance between technological access and student well-being, reinforcing the message that education must remain a space for learning, interaction, and holistic development rather than digital distraction.