📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Joydeep
Education
West Bengal CM Adhikari urges school phone bans, cites Gujarat model
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 05 Sep 2026, 08:28 PM
👁 3
Chief Minister Adhikari has called for limiting mobile phone use in West Bengal schools, pointing to Gujarat's policy as a reference point.
Chief Minister Adhikari announced a proposal to curb the use of mobile phones in schools throughout West Bengal. The move aims to address concerns that unrestricted device access distracts students and hampers learning outcomes.
In presenting the proposal, Adhikari referred to the policy adopted by the Gujarat government, describing it as a successful framework that has helped maintain classroom focus. He suggested that West Bengal could adapt similar guidelines to suit local conditions.
The chief minister indicated that the proposal would be discussed with the state education department and school authorities before any formal rules are issued. No specific timeline or enforcement mechanism was disclosed at the time of the announcement.
Stakeholders, including teachers' unions and parent groups, are expected to weigh in on the feasibility of a statewide phone restriction. The government has said it will consider feedback before finalising the policy.
If implemented, the restriction would apply to all public and private schools under the state's jurisdiction, aligning West Bengal's approach with the precedent set by Gujarat.
In presenting the proposal, Adhikari referred to the policy adopted by the Gujarat government, describing it as a successful framework that has helped maintain classroom focus. He suggested that West Bengal could adapt similar guidelines to suit local conditions.
The chief minister indicated that the proposal would be discussed with the state education department and school authorities before any formal rules are issued. No specific timeline or enforcement mechanism was disclosed at the time of the announcement.
Stakeholders, including teachers' unions and parent groups, are expected to weigh in on the feasibility of a statewide phone restriction. The government has said it will consider feedback before finalising the policy.
If implemented, the restriction would apply to all public and private schools under the state's jurisdiction, aligning West Bengal's approach with the precedent set by Gujarat.