UP Government bans mobile phones in colleges and universities

Following the said order, students and teachers will no longer be allowed to bring or use mobile phones inside college and university premises.

The move comes after the government observed that many students and teachers were using their mobiles during college hours, the circular stated.

It mentioned that the move ensures "better teaching environment for students across all colleges and universities in the state."

In a similar vein to the said move, the UP Government had earlier banned the use of mobile phones during official meetings, including cabinet meetings.

It was stated that several ministers were found using popular instant messaging app WhatsApp during these meetings.

Prior to this decision, ministers were allowed to bring their phones, but they had to put them on silent mode.

"The Chief Minister wants all ministers to focus on issues that are discussed in the cabinet meetings. They should not get distracted by their mobile phones," a senior official in the Chief Minister's secretariat had said, in relation to the earlier ban.

"Some ministers have been busy reading messages on WhatsApp during the meeting," they had further added.