Jammu, March 10:
In a major move to restore academic focus and discipline, the Chief Education Office (CEO) Udhampur has issued a strict circular banning teachers from using mobile phones inside classrooms during active teaching hours.
The directive, released on Monday, aims to eliminate digital distractions that authorities say have begun to “adversely affect” the quality of education and the overall school environment across the district.
Zero Tolerance for Distractions
The circular highlights that the frequent use of personal devices by educators disrupts the teaching-learning process and sets a poor precedent for students. Under the new guidelines, teachers are expected to keep their devices away to ensure that classroom time is dedicated solely to student engagement and curriculum delivery.
“The practice of using mobile phones during teaching hours disturbs the academic environment and hampers the flow of learning. We must prioritize the educational needs of our students,” the circular stated.
Enforcement and Monitoring
The CEO has delegated the responsibility of ensuring 100% compliance to the following officials:
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Principals
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Headmasters
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Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs)
These authorities are now mandated to conduct regular monitoring of institutions, clusters, and zones under their jurisdiction.
Warning of “Serious Consequences”
The administration has made it clear that this is not a mere suggestion. The circular warns that any violation of these instructions will be “viewed seriously and dealt with as per rules.” While the specific penalties were not detailed, sources suggest that repeat offenders could face disciplinary action or notations in their service records.
The Context of the Crackdown
This move follows similar restrictions recently implemented in other parts of the Union Territory, including a total mobile ban in schools in the Karnah sub-division and Ramnagar sub-division last year. The broader objective appears to be a systemic shift toward a “gadget-free” learning zone to combat the rising trend of social media usage during school hours.
