Mobile phone ban in Himachal Pradesh schools from March 1

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced that students will be prohibited from using mobile phones in all government and private schools across the State, beginning March 1, 2026.

The Chief Minister said the decision has been taken as a step towards improving the academic environment and protecting students’ well-being. He made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls Handball Tournament held at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sukhu said the State government is committed to provide world-class education that would enable local students to compete on a global stage.

“Under the new regulations, students will no longer be permitted to bring mobile devices in the school premises,” he said, adding that any student found in possession of a phone would face a fine of ₹500 and the confiscation of the device.

SOP for compliance

“Additionally, parents will be required to attend mandatory counselling sessions at the school. To ensure long-term compliance, the Education Department has been tasked with drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address repeated violations,” he said.

“It has been observed that mobile phone usage during lunch breaks and school hours distracts students from their studies and interpersonal growth,” the Chief Minister said.

During the event, the Chief Minister laid out several infrastructure goals, including the expedited completion of the indoor stadium in Ghumarwin and the local school building within the next year.

Mr. Sukhu highlighted the State’s push to promote sports and sports tourism, noting the State government would provide employment opportunities to female athletes from Himachal Pradesh who have recently competed in the Asian Games.