The Hindu Business Line : Kerala may curb use of cell phones in campuses

The State Education Minister, Mr E.T. Mohammed Basheer, announced this while presiding over a discussion on `Safeguarding campuses from cyber and IT crimes' organised here by the Association of Students' Representatives.

The discussion was held in the backdrop of a multimedia messaging scandal involving school and college students that led to the arrest of the Chief Executive Officer of a leading e-auction company with multinational parentage.

But, the Minister hastened to add that a total ban on use of handsets in the campuses was not technically possible since it would require detailed legislative support. Instead, the State Government would initially focus on raising the awareness of both teachers and students on the drawbacks of using the instruments on campuses.

A decision to this effect was likely to be agreed upon at the meeting of Educational Ministers to be held in Bangalore, the Minister said.

The State Government also intended to control film-based dance and fashion shows in educational institutions. Stern action would be taken against those who violated directions in this connection.

The State Government also proposed to control the mushrooming of Internet cafes near schools and colleges in a bid to check their misuse.

Speaking at a separate function, the Minister said disaster management would be included in the syllabi for colleges in the State

Directions to this effect have already been issued to officials since the subject had earned added relevance in the backdrop of the tsunami disaster.

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