West Bengal may ban mobile phones in schools, chief minister says

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the state could ban mobile phones in schools, acknowledging that the decision might cost him votes. He cited Gujarat, where students through Class 12 are barred from bringing phones to school, and said some students stay awake until about 2 a.m. using them.

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Mobile phones have a huge negative impact on school children. It will be a tough decision and I may lose votes.

Speaking at a Teachers’ Day government program in Kolkata, Adhikari also called for a stronger role for physical activity in education. He said the state had neglected sports and that the National Cadet Corps should be reintroduced in schools and colleges. West Bengal plans to revive traditional games, including kho-kho and kabaddi.

The chief minister said every district would receive two “CM Shri” model schools. Students would enter through examinations in Class 6, and the schools would have leading teachers, advanced laboratories and smart classrooms. The government also plans two sports facilities where top talent can receive training.

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We have to bring back physical activities in our schools and colleges.

Adhikari said the School Service Commission had been reconstituted and would recruit teachers transparently, following Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court orders. He said teacher recognition should consider attendance, published books, examination results and students’ later achievements. He also linked education reform to what he described as patriotic conduct, saying “the Nation comes first.”

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The Nation comes first.