Bengal CM pushes for mobile phone curbs in schools citing screen exposure risks

Bengal Chief Minister advocates school mobile phone curbs, cites concerns over children's screen exposure

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has urged restricting mobile phones in schools, warning that their use is creating a negative impact among children. Speaking at a Teachers' Day gathering, he said such issues must be addressed for education reforms or the occasion itself to hold any significance.

Gujarat model cited as example

"My votes may perhaps decrease. But I will still say that the use of phones in schools needs to be regulated. In Gujarat, phones are not used in schools from Class I to Class XII," Adhikari said. His remarks come as Karnataka's government earlier this year considered legislation to restrict mobile phones for children under 16 years.

New district schools announced

Addressing the Kolkata gathering, the Chief Minister announced plans to open two 'CM Shri' schools in each district, modelled after PM Shri schools. "In these schools, admission will be given from Class VI based on merit. Like the Central Model School, the schools will have all modern facilities, including smart boards. Large sports-related institutions will be set up in the western and northern regions," he said.

Teacher recruitment overhaul promised

Adhikari pledged his government would conduct teacher recruitment transparently in line with Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court directives. "Merit will be the primary criterion for selection. We will recruit teachers in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court. There is no need to worry. I have asked officials to ensure viva voce should not exceed five marks," he stated.

The Chief Minister said fresh recruitment would follow an amended OBC list. The West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed two OBC amendment bills in June 2026, removing 77 communities, mostly added post-2010, and reverting to the original 66 pre-2010 categories.

The recruitment announcement carries weight after corruption allegations surfaced in teacher hiring under the previous Trinamool Congress government, leading to the arrest of several prominent party leaders including former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee for alleged involvement in the scam.

Source: The Hindu