Karnataka Mulls Mobile Ban in Schools Amid Parental Pressure, Says Deputy CM

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that a ban on mobile phone use for students is under active discussion, citing pressure from parents and similar bans in other countries. He clarified that the government has not declared Bengaluru lake water as potable, stating it is for groundwater recharge. Shivakumar also criticized the central government for a lack of clarity and fund releases for the VB-G RAM G scheme, calling it defunct and an assault on the poor. He announced a protest in Chikkaballapura over these issues, with Home Minister G Parameshwara also confirming the government is considering the mobile ban.

Key Points: Karnataka School Mobile Ban Discussed, Says DK Shivakumar

  • Mobile ban for students under discussion
  • Pressure from parents cited
  • Ban aligns with practices in other countries
  • Clarification on Bengaluru lake water use
  • Protest over central scheme delays
2 min read

"Mobile ban for students in discussion; pressure from parents too": Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says a mobile phone ban for students is under discussion due to parental pressure and global precedents.

"We have banned mobile phones in our schools too. We can't disclose how mobiles are being misused. - DK Shivakumar"

Bengaluru, February 23

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Monday that there was pressure from parents to ban mobile use for students, stating the ban is still under discussion.

Speaking to the media at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said, "We have banned mobile phones in our schools too. We can't disclose how mobiles are being misused. Mobiles in schools are banned in many other countries, too. Hence, a similar ban is being discussed here too."

When asked about Minister HC Mahadevappa's statement on Dalit Chief Minister, Shivakumar replied, "He is our national leader. I salute him."

On reports about the non-potability of water in Bengaluru lakes, he clarified, "The government has nowhere said that the water of Bengaluru lakes is fit for bathing and drinking. This water is meant to recharge the groundwater. Thippagondanahalli water is being treated by BWSSB."

Shivakumar also commented on the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), saying, "The Centre has not given any clarity on VB GRAMG. It has not even released wages for the past work. The scheme is defunct now, and it is an assault on the poor. We are waging a fight to save this scheme. We are holding a protest in Chikkaballapura today."

On the MGNREGA Bachao protest, Shivakumar said, "The fight is against the central govt. They are not giving clarity yet. Coolliee fund has not been released either. It is in limbo. We are staging a massive protest today."

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara also addressed the mobile ban issue.

He said, "There is a thought about banning mobile phones in schools and colleges. Giving mobile phones to children under the age of 16 has a different effect on education. Many countries have conducted studies and banned mobile phones. The Chief Minister has also thought about this."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move, but implementation is key. How will they enforce it? Teachers already have so much on their plate. Also, what about emergencies? Parents need a way to contact their children.
A
Aditya G
While the mobile ban is important, I'm more concerned about the MGNREGA funds not being released. That's what truly affects lakhs of poor families in our state. The protest is justified.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, a blanket ban feels like a shortcut. The world is digital. Shouldn't we focus on teaching responsible usage and digital literacy in schools instead of just taking phones away?
V
Vikram M
Finally! The distraction is real. I've seen kids in tuition classes watching videos under the desk. Education first. Let them be children, not phone zombies. 👏
K
Karthik V
The government is jumping from topic to topic - mobiles, lake water, MGNREGA. Please focus and give clear solutions. The water clarification was needed, many were confused.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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