Banka, July 31: Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari has directed teachers in government schools to deposit their mobile phones with the headmaster before entering classrooms, saying the move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted teaching and improving students’ learning.
The instruction was issued during a review meeting of the Education Department held at the district council hall in Banka, where the minister reviewed academic and infrastructure-related issues.
“Upon reaching school, teachers should hand over their mobile phones to the headmaster before going to class,” Tiwari said.
The minister observed that frequent phone calls during class hours distract teachers and adversely affect the teaching-learning process.
“When teachers bring mobile phones to the classroom, phone calls interrupt teaching and create problems for both teachers and students,” he said.
Tiwari urged teachers to adopt the practice voluntarily, adding that the department should not be compelled to issue a formal directive.
“Teachers should follow this rule voluntarily. The department should not have to issue an order,” he said.
He directed District Education Officers (DEOs) and other education officials to first sensitise and persuade teachers to comply with the instruction. However, he warned that the Education Department would take further steps if voluntary compliance was not achieved.
“If there is no comprehensive improvement, the Education Department will issue a letter to ensure compliance,” the minister said.
Reviewing the education scenario in Banka district, Tiwari said the ongoing teacher transfer process would substantially address the shortage of teachers in the district.
The minister also instructed officials to clean, paint and upgrade government schools located along the Kanwaria Path ahead of the Shravani Mela, so that pilgrims visiting the state get a positive impression of Bihar’s educational institutions.
He emphasised that academic activities must continue without disruption during the fair and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted Mid-Day Meal (MDM) services, keep school routes free from obstructions and ensure students remain engaged in classroom learning during school hours.
“Children’s education should not be disrupted at any cost during the fair, and Mid-Day Meal services must continue properly,” Tiwari said.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of ongoing school infrastructure projects, including the construction and development of model schools in Banka district.
