Agartala, Nov. 28: The Tripura government has banned the use of mobile phones by students in altogether 3,884 schools of all categories across the state.

Strict restrictions on the use of mobile phones by 33,596 teachers working in these schools have also been imposed.

The use of mobile phones by students during school hours has been a matter of controversy ever since mobile service was introduced in Tripura in April 2004. A parliamentary committee had also observed earlier that use of mobile phones by students was contaminating the academic atmosphere.

“Ever since we came to know of the observations made by the parliamentary committee, we were planning to impose the restrictions. Yesterday, we passed the decision in the state cabinet,” school education minister Tapan Chakraborty said.

He said students would not be allowed to carry mobile sets to schools and would be expelled in case anyone was caught with mobile inside the bag or pocket. The teachers will also be under the restriction to use cell phones during off-periods in common rooms.

Last night’s cabinet meeting also resolved the contentious issue of increased pay and facilities for doctors of the Agartala Government Medical College.

The services of doctors and support staff at the AGMC will now be regularised and they will receive major boost in their pay and allowances to the extent of at least Rs 15,000 per month. The doctors will also get other facilities.