The Punjab government has implemented a comprehensive ban on mobile phone usage within all government and private schools, effective immediately. This measure applies to students, teachers, and non-teaching staff, aiming to enhance discipline and focus during school hours.
Key Directives:
- Mobile Phone Submission: All teachers, students, and non-teaching staff are required to deposit their mobile phones with the head teacher at the start of the school day. Non-compliance will result in confiscation and potential disciplinary action.
- Dress Code Enforcement: Teachers must adhere to a formal dress code, including wearing coats, proper shoes, and watches. Students are mandated to wear navy blue sweaters as part of their uniform; those not in proper attire will be denied entry.
- Identification Display: Both teachers and students are required to visibly display school badges and identification cards at all times within school premises.
- Timetable Visibility: Schools must publicly display their timetables to ensure transparency and adherence to scheduled activities.
- Classroom Management: Each class will appoint a representative to assist in maintaining discipline. Additionally, classrooms are to feature patriotic slogans to foster a sense of national pride.
- Attendance Recording: Teachers are instructed to mark attendance on a designated corner of the blackboard, while students will utilize registers for classwork.
These directives were issued following reports of time mismanagement due to mobile phone usage and incidents involving the recording and sharing of videos on social media by both students and teachers.
Rana Liaqat Ali, Secretary General of the Punjab Teachers Union, acknowledged the initiative as positive but noted that many teachers already refrain from using mobile phones during school hours.
The Punjab School Education Department has tasked district and tehsil education officers, along with school heads, to ensure strict compliance with these guidelines to cultivate a disciplined and focused educational environment.