Karnataka to frame law restricting mobile use among under -16 students: Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa on Monday said the government will bring a comprehensive framework to regulate mobile phone and social media usage among students below 16 years, acknowledging growing concerns over its impact on children.
He was replying to the question raised by MLCs Pratap Nayak and Javare Gowda, who urged the government to take urgent and stringent measures, warning that mobile addiction among children has reached alarming levels.
Replying during Question Hour in the Karnataka Legislative Council, the minister said that while restrictions already exist, enforcement has been weak and the government is now working on stronger guidelines in consultation with multiple stakeholders.
"For the first time in India, our government has proposed in the Budget that mobile use should be banned for children below 16 years," he said.
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He added that although laws prohibiting the use of mobile phones in schools are in place, it was not being practised. Some students used them outside, and there was no proper system, he added. Explaining the rationale, Bangarappa said mobile phones, while useful for learning, have increasingly become a source of harmful content.
"If mobile helps learning, it is okay, but most of what is coming today is unnecessary. Children take whatever input is given," he noted.
The Minister said the government is coordinating with the IT Department, which has formed a committee to examine social media practices, and that detailed guidelines are being prepared. He also underlined the reintroduction of moral education in schools.
"Moral science books are being provided free of cost to all students from this year, and specific periods have been fixed to teach it," Bangarappa said.
Emphasising the need for a balanced approach, the Minister said mobile phones cannot be completely eliminated in the present era.
"In today's AI and modern age, we cannot pull it out at once; we will bring a law on how to impose restrictions," he said, adding that the proposal would be placed before the House in the next session after wider consultations.
The minister said inputs would be sought from parents, experts and international child organisations before finalising the policy.
"This concerns the future of our children. Misuse of social media is a big problem in our country," he observed.
The minister also acknowledged concerns raised by members that excessive dependence on mobile phones is affecting students severely. "If it harms their future, we must take strict action," Bangarppa said, while cautioning that mere prohibition may not be effective, as children may continue to access devices secretly.
The minister said the government aims to evolve a model policy.
"Since this is being done for the first time in India, I want it to become an example for others," he added.
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Modi should leverage his ties with world leaders to de-escalate war in West Asia: Omar Abdullah
Jammu (PTI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said India can play a meaningful role in de-escalation in West Asia, given Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong relations with the warring countries and their neighbours.
He said Pakistan was leveraging ties with Iran and the United States, and that any effort towards ending the war should be welcomed.
"As I said in the House (Assembly), we would like the war to end as soon as possible. The role that the prime minister can play may not be possible for anyone else because of his good relations with all these countries," Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
He, however, said any escalation would not be easy to manage.
"Any such move by US President Donald Trump, despite the long history of Iran resisting external domination, would not be easy," the chief minister said.
Asked about Pakistan mediating in the war, he said, "I will simply say that if any country can play a role in preventing this war, no one should have any objection to it."
He added, "I will repeat what I said … our prime minister has good and close relations with all countries — whether it is Israel, the United States, Iran, or the countries around Iran. If those relationships can be used to make some progress and help ease the situation, it would be a good thing."
Abdullah said attacks by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in India, as suggested by a report from the United States, are not unlikely.
Meanwhile, he asserted that any efforts to end the war, be it from Pakistan, must not be resisted.
"Pakistan is using its good relations with Iran and the United States to its advantage, and it has done so. How can we object to that? If that angle helps in stopping the war, would you want them not to act and let the war continue? We want the war to stop. If any country can play a role in that, it should. And if we can play an even better role, then we should do so," he said.
On unemployment in J-K, the chief minister said the issue cannot be resolved overnight, and government jobs alone are not the solution.
He stressed the need to explore alternative avenues, highlighting the importance of Mission Yuva in promoting entrepreneurship.
"Mission Yuva provides not just funding but also support in preparing DPRs and post-startup assistance, such as marketing. In just nine months, distributing Rs 1,000 crore and approving numerous schemes is a significant achievement," he said.
Abdullah credited the coordination between the government and Jammu and Kashmir Bank for the scheme's progress.
