Shimla’s education landscape is set for a major shift as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a statewide ban on mobile phones in all government and private schools starting March 1. This bold move aims to restore focus on studies and curb distractions plaguing young minds.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls Handball Tournament in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur, the CM laid out strict enforcement measures. Any student found with a mobile device on school premises will face a Rs 500 fine and immediate confiscation of the phone. ‘These gadgets are pulling our children away from learning and social growth, especially during lunch breaks and class hours,’ Sukhu emphasized, drawing from his own days as a government school student.
Parents won’t escape accountability either. Attendance at school counseling sessions has been made mandatory for them, ensuring a united front in fostering a distraction-free environment. The government is doubling down on world-class education to equip Himachal’s youth for global competition.
Beyond academics, Sukhu spotlighted sports development. Celebrating the state’s handball team’s national championship win, he announced a Rs 20 lakh cash prize. Female athletes who competed in the Asian Games will receive job opportunities, while daily diet allowances for student-athletes have surged—to Rs 400 for state events and Rs 500 for nationals. Players traveling over 200 km for competitions now qualify for air travel, prioritizing comfort and peak performance.
This comprehensive policy signals Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to holistic student development, blending rigorous academics with robust sports support. As implementation kicks off, schools across the state brace for a new era of undivided attention and ambition.