Cell phones to be banned in educational institutions

Bhubaneswar: With an aim to ensure a peaceful study environment in educational institutions across Odisha, the State government is likely to ban the use of cell phones in school, college and university premises.

Use of cell phones by students and teachers, especially in classrooms, creates disturbance, said higher education minister Ananta Das.

"Cell phones' use in classrooms results in distraction and adversely affects academic performance of students. Many teacher associations and educationalists are also advocating no-cellphone rule in educational institutions," said Das.

Besides, the government is also planning to prohibit teachers from using the device during evaluation of papers.

Meanwhile, discussion over the issue is on and the government will soon come up with its decision ensuring a healthy study environment in schools and colleges, added Das.