UP: Directorate of Higher Education denies banning mobile phones

The Directorate of Higher Education, Uttar Pradesh on Friday refuted media reports of having banned mobile phones from colleges and universities. It stated that some educational institutions had believed the media reports and already started to issue instructions in this regard. Terming this as unacceptable, the department reiterated that no such orders had been issued. UP Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma also confirmed that the government had issued no new directive. At the same time, he maintained that the students had to keep their phones on silent or switch off mode during classes. 

Read: UP CM Yogi Adityanath Bans Mobile Phones In Universities And Colleges

Maurya said, “Yes, the students are expected to keep their phone on silent or switch off mode during classes so that the teaching is not disturbed. That order already exists.” 

Read: 40 Lakh Mobile Phones Start Ringing In Kashmir

Mobile phones banned in official meetings

Earlier, reports suggested that the UP government had decided to impose a blanket ban on mobile phones inside educational institutions. Reportedly, a circular released by the Directorate of Higher Education extended the ban to the members of the teaching staff as well. These reports gained traction as UP CM Yogi Adityanath had already banned the use of mobile phones during official meetings, including the meetings of the Cabinet. This decision was taken after observing that some officials were found to be busy with their phones during important government discussions.  

Read: Shocking 'no Mobile Phones For Unmarried Girls' Diktat Issued In Thakor Community, Alpesh Thakor Backs It

A statement from the UP secretariat read, “The Chief Minister wants all ministers should focus on issues that are discussed in the cabinet meetings. They should not get distracted by their mobile phones. Some ministers have been busy reading messages on WhatsApp during the meeting.” 

Read: According To UN & World Bank, There Are More Mobile Phones Than Humans In The World. Read Report Here