J&K bans cellphones in classrooms; picnics to be monitored

Srinagar, June 7 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned the use of mobile phones in classrooms and directed the schools in the entire Valley to strictly adhere to its special code of conduct.

The code of conduct has been devised by the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir in the wake of the recently surfaced sex scandal which has rocked the Valley during the past few weeks, official sources said today.

They said the state government took the decision following a public demand that schools should enforce strict disciplinary measures in the wake of the sex scandal.

As per a government order, the use of mobile phones has been disallowed. Similarly, teachers have been asked not to carry mobile phones to classrooms. The schools have been directed to ensure regulation of orders, the sources said.

''School picnics need to be properly planned and carefully conducted leaving no room for any misbehaviour. Prior permission of the official concerned is to be sought,'' the order said.

The sources said schools have been directed to ensure safe pick and drop of the students and seek a written consent from the parents in this regard.

''Peak days like weekends and crowded places are to be avoided and students, not allowed to indulge in unnecessary adventure,'' the order read.

The sources said the Directorate in the public interest has come up with other ''dos and don'ts'' to organise flawless, healthy and harmonious academic ambience in the schools.

The order said the exercise was aimed to ''suitably address the societal concerns''.

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