Mangalore, Jul 13: A day after a legislature committee in Karnataka state recommended ban on mobile phones in schools and colleges, chief minister Siddaramaiah said there was no harm in children using the device.

On Friday, a legislature committee on women and child welfare led by Puttur MLA Shakuntala Shetty blamed mobile phones for the rise in the number of rape and molestation cases.
"There were several instances where mobile phones were used to lure girls to remote places and rape them. Mobile phones are debasing the educational atmosphere in schools and colleges,'' the committee said.
This is not the first time the Karnataka government has proposed a ban on mobile phones in schools and colleges. The erstwhile BJP government had made a similar proposal, though it had cited health hazards from using mobile phones for long hours as the reason behind seeking such a ban.
But not everyone agrees with the Committee's recommendation.
"I think a mobile phone with safety apps in it would be useful and the user can stay connected. But students should be taught how to responsibly use mobile phones. Perhaps the government can use its resources and our MLAs can think of better ways to control crimes against women, like increasing police patrolling and making it more secure and safer on the ground," said Rina Pareira, a parent.
Ananth Kumar, Kalladka Bhat back ban
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and union minister Ananth Kumar said mobiles should be banned on educational institution premises.
He said mobile phones may harm children. "I am of the opinion that mobile phones should not be allowed in schools and colleges," he added.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sagh (RSS) leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, who is facing several cases for alleged hate speeches, also backed Ms Shetty led panel's recommendation. "Mobile is being misused. Shakunthala Shetty is absolutely right in demanding ban on mobile in schools and colleges," he said.
Bajrang Dal state convenor Sharan Pumpwell too supported the mobile phone ban proposal.






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