Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Thursday that from March 1, 2026, students will not be allowed to use mobile phones in any government or private school across the state. The decision aims to improve the academic environment and protect student wellbeing. "Under the new regulations, students will no longer be permitted to bring mobile devices in the school premises," Mr. Sukhu said during the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls Handball Tournament in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur district. Students caught with phones will face a fine of ₹500 and the confiscation of the device. Parents will have to attend mandatory counselling sessions at school. To ensure steady enforcement, the Education Department will create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to handle repeat violations. The Chief Minister added, "It has been observed that mobile phone usage during lunch breaks and school hours distracts students from their studies and interpersonal growth." Mr. Sukhu also spoke about improving sports infrastructure, including speeding up the completion of an indoor stadium in Ghumarwin and a new school building within a year. He emphasized the government's effort to promote sports and sports tourism while providing jobs for female athletes who recently competed in the Asian Games.