Mobile ban for school staff in Bikaner and Barmer

JAIPUR: Barmer and Bikaner district chief education officer has issued an order banning the use of mobile phones during school hours for all employees.
Authorities said that they found teachers chatting on WhatsApp and over phone during school hours. Due to this, they were not able to focus on classes and the students were suffering. Hence, employees will not be allowed to use mobile phones during school hours.
They will have to switch off and submit their phones to the office before the school starts, the order, issued on Wednesday, said.As per the order, only the school principal can use the mobile phone if required. Surprise inspections will also be carried out to see whether teachers are using mobile phones. If anyone is found using one, strict action will follow.
Protesting the order, Narayan Sisodia, general secretary, Rajasthan Teachers and Panchayati Raj Employees Federation, said, “What is the use of promoting digital India when the use of phones are banned in schools? We are regularly asked about various issues and to send information quickly. How are we supposed to do it if our phones are confiscated?”
A government teacher, who did not wish to be named, said that the move would have a negative impact. “We get important calls from our family and friends. In this age, living without phones is really difficult. This will have detrimental effect on us,” the teacher said.
Following Bikaner and Barmer, many more districts are expected to issue similar orders soon.