Bengal CM calls for reduction of screen time for students; says cell phones should be restricted in schools

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. File | Photo credit: ANI

With the use of mobile phones creating a negative impact on children, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Saturday (September 5, 2026) that mobile phones should be restricted in schools.

Addressing a rally on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, the Prime Minister said that if we do not address these issues, reforms in education and observance of Teachers’ Day do not matter.

“My votes may be reduced. But still I will say that the use of phones in schools must be regulated. In Gujarat, phones are not used in schools from class I to class XII,” Mr. Adhikari said. Earlier this year, the Karnataka government said it was considering a law to restrict mobile phones for children under 16.

Addressing a rally in Kolkata, the Chief Minister announced that two “CM Shri” schools would be opened in each district, on the model of PM Shri schools. “These schools will have admissions from class VI on merit basis. Like Central Model School, the schools will have all modern facilities including smart boards. Big sports institutions will be set up in the western and northern regions.” he said.

The Chief Minister also announced that his government will conduct the recruitment of teachers in a transparent manner in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court.

“The main selection criteria will be merit. We will recruit teachers as per Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court guidelines. There is no need to worry. I have asked the officials to ensure that the viva voce does not exceed five marks,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that his government has amended the list of OBCs and fresh recruitment will be done as per the amended list. The West Bengal Legislative Assembly recently passed two OBC amendments in June 2026, removing 77 communities (mostly added after 2010) and reverting the state’s OBC list back to its original pre-2010 66 categories.

Allegations of corruption in the recruitment of teachers surfaced under the previous Trinamool Congress government, and several prominent leaders of the ruling party, including former education minister Partha Chatterjee, were arrested for their alleged involvement in the scam.

Published – 06 Sep 2026 04:05 IST