Jyoti Pre-University College here has banned students from using mobile phones on campus and classes. It has also seized around 100 mobiles from students who brought them into classes despite strict instructions of the principal B B Devaravar.
Deveravar told TOI the ban was imposed with two objectives. It was noticed that students using cellphones were not paying attention in class and the safety of girl students was under threat. Both have become serious problems, he said.
The mobiles of first-time offenders were returned after four days but this courtesy would not be extended to repeat offenders. "Some parents asked me that how their wards could contact them in an emergency if the college bans mobile phones. In such cases, students will be allowed to use the office phone free of cost. We're also thinking of installing a coin-box phone on the college premises," he said.
According to college authorities, most students have mobile phones and many use them in in class. They stay connected with their friends through sms and chat in class. Interestingly, many students have high-end phones and tablets. Flaunting such devices has become common among students and students are not concentrating on studies.
Deveravar said the college management will install CCTV cameras on campus following the instructions of the police to ensure safety of girls. Recently, SP Sandeep Patil met college principals here and suggested they install CCTV cameras on campuses.