Karnataka government now admits that it banned laptops in colleges by mistake

After an opposition from the students and teachers in Karnataka, the State Department of Pre-University Education now permits laptops in schools, admitting that the laptop ban was a mistake. Meanwhile, the ban on mobile phones still exists. An order they previously imposed had completely banned using laptops and mobile phones by students during college hours

The students and faculty opposed this, as laptops were essential for students of Computer Science, Business Management and other core subjects. "We do not have anything to say for the ban on mobile phones, but banning laptops was a foolish thing to do," said a student.

After realising their mistake, the department withdrew the order, issued on Thursday, and issued a revised order around 1 pm on Friday in which laptops were exempted, but mobile phones were still banned.  C Shikha, Director PUE department, said, "There was no proposal to ban laptops and it was only for mobiles. Laptops were included by mistake."

The ban on using mobile phones during college hours is already there in the PUE guidelines. However, considering the same not being followed seriously by the students, the department issued an order putting a complete ban on using mobile phones. "This order has been issued now, following communication from the Chief Minister's Office," said PUE department officials.

Recently, following a request submitted by representatives from the teachers' community, which shared their difficulties in conducting classes due to these gadgets, the CMO told the department to discuss and take a decision on mobile phones.