Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India | February 5, 2026
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Thursday a comprehensive mobile phones ban by students across all government and private schools in the state, effective March 1, 2026.
The directive, aimed at curbing digital distractions and improving student well-being, was unveiled during the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls Handball Tournament in Ghumarwin.
Mobile Phones Ban-Strict Enforcement and Penalties
Under the new regulations, students are prohibited from bringing mobile devices onto school premises. The state has outlined a stringent enforcement framework to ensure compliance:
- Fines: Any student found with a mobile phone will be subject to a Rs 500 fine.
- Confiscation: The device will be seized by school authorities.
- Parental Counseling: Parents of violators must attend mandatory counseling sessions.
- SOP Development: The Education Department is currently drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to manage recurring violations and long-term implementation.
“Mobile phone usage during school hours and breaks has been observed to distract students from their academic focus and interpersonal growth,” Chief Minister Sukhu stated, noting his personal commitment to the public education system as a former student of a government school.
Boost for Sports and Athlete Welfare
Parallel to the educational reforms, the Chief Minister announced a major financial boost for the state’s athletes. Following the victory of the Himachal Pradesh team in the National Handball Championship—where they secured gold by defeating Rajasthan—the government has sanctioned a Rs 20 lakh cash prize.
To further incentivize professional sports, the state has revised the daily diet allowances for student-athletes:
- State Events: Increased to Rs 400 per day.
- National Events: Increased to Rs 500 per day.
Additionally, the government confirmed that female athletes from the state who competed in the Asian Games would be offered employment opportunities. For athletes traveling over 200 kilometers for competitions, the state will now provide air travel facilities to maintain peak performance levels.
Infrastructure Developments
The Chief Minister also committed to several infrastructure projects in the Bilaspur district, including the expedited completion of the Ghumarwin indoor stadium and the construction of a new girls’ hostel at Morsingi.
The 69th National School Games concluded with Himachal Pradesh taking the top spot, Rajasthan earning silver, and Haryana securing the bronze medal among 30 participating teams.
The measures reflect the state’s broader “Digital Detox” initiative in education and its 3% sports quota policy for government employment.
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