Patna, Jan. 9: Sri Arvind Mahila College has cracked the whip on students who while away their time talking on cellphones.

Starting today, the institution has restricted the use of cellphones by students on the institute premises. The students would be able to bring their mobile handsets to the institute but they have to switch off the gadget before entering the premises. If the students are found violating the rule, they will be fined Rs 500 each.

Arvind Mahila College principal Asha Singh said the move had been initiated to restrain students from misusing the device.

“Students are in the habit of misusing this gadget (cellphone). Many students were found talking on cellphones while in class. We have allowed the students to bring their cellphones because we understand that the machine has become a necessity today, especially for girls. Parents give their daughters cellphones so that they can keep in touch with them and know how much time they would take to reach home after college,” said the principal.

The college has formed a committee of teachers who will check the cellphones of the students on the campus.

Usha Jha, a faculty member of the college who is leading the checking drive, said: “Last year, I caught a student talking on the cellphone while in class. After I confiscated the cellphone, I came to know that the gadget had been given to her by her boyfriend. I think the new rule will help keep tabs on such incidents.”

Jha said she today caught 15 students who had not switched off their cellphones. They were let off with a warning, as Monday was the first day of the rule implementation.

The college move has not gone down well with the students. Gauhar Jahan, a BA Part III student, said: “I really cannot understand why we have been asked to switch off our cellphones while we are in the college. What’s the point of bringing the cellphone when we cannot use it? In case of an emergency, we would be left uninformed if our cellphones are switched off.” .

Rupa Kumari, an ISC student of the college, said the institute should change the rule a little. “It would be better if we are allowed to keep our cellphones in silent mode or on vibration so that in case of an emergency call, we can at least call back after the class is over. I am unable to understand the purpose of this new rule,” Rupa said.

She also had objection to the amount of fine that would be charged for violating the rule. “The fine is too high. It should have been between Rs 100 and 200. After all, we are students. We often make mistakes. We may forget to switch off our cellphones before entering the college,” she said.

Preeti Kumari, another student, felt she was being punished for the fault of others. “We are bearing the brunt of others’ mistakes. Some of my classmates used to talk on cellphones during class hours despite warnings from the teachers. Because of their mischief, this rule has been forced on us. Now, we can’t keep our mobile handsets on even in case of an emergency,” Preeti rued.