Madhubani: The district administration in Bihar's Madhubani has imposed restrictions on the use of mobile phones by school teachers during class hours, aiming to ensure better classroom engagement and teaching standards.

District Magistrate Anand Sharma announced the decision on Tuesday, stating that teachers must devote their full attention to teaching while in classrooms. A video of the 2013-batch IAS officer making the announcement has also surfaced on social media.

The order has been issued under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which empowers district authorities to take preventive measures in the interest of public order and safety. The provision replaces the earlier Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Officials said that any violation of the directive would be treated as a breach of the imposed restrictions.

“It is essential that teachers devote class hours to imparting education and shun the use of mobile phones,” Sharma said while addressing a public event.

The announcement was made during a 'Census Festival' organised by the district administration to promote 100 per cent self-enumeration in the region, which shares a border with Nepal.

In a related move to address infrastructure constraints, the district administration also decided to introduce a two-shift system in schools facing space shortages. As per the new schedule, students from Classes 1 to 8 will attend classes from 6.30 am to 11.30 am, while those in Classes 9 to 12 will have sessions from 12 noon to 5 pm.

Officials said the measures are aimed at improving academic focus and ensuring smoother functioning of schools in the district.