Bhubaneswar: The state government is planning to prohibit the use of mobile phones in classrooms.

Higher education minister Ananta Das on Tuesday said discussions were on and a decision would be made shortly.

In May, the government had decided to ban use of phones on campuses. Some college teachers had requested the government to consider banning phones in classrooms during the teaching hours as frequent ringing distracted them.

But, the move was met by uproar, including from academics and students. Now, the government plans to ban its use only in classrooms.

"The use of mobiles in the education institutes, especially in classrooms, disturbs and disrupts learning," said Das.

He said the move was only meant to ensure discipline and a healthy classroom environment.

"Use of mobiles in classrooms disturbs and distracts learning," said Soumya Ranjan Mohaptra, a student.