Mid-Day

Mumbai, Jan 21: Cell phones are banned in city colleges, but walk down any corridor or enter any classroom and you’d never guess that.

Most colleges buzz constantly with the sound of ring tones, as students don’t seem to care about the ban. Many even use their mobile phones in classrooms and libraries. Even fines and confiscations don’t affect them.

Some students don’t even know about the rule. “I don’t know of any such rule in our college,” said Qainat Mansoor, from Sydenham College, Churchgate.

“Many of us don’t even keep our phones on silent in the classroom. Nobody is caught or fined.”

Even professors’ cell phones ring during lectures, she added.

Surprising, considering that just last year the college had a huge debate on the ban on cell phones.

In December 2004, Mumbai University had issued a circular to colleges, asking them to ban mobile phones. The punishment was left up to the colleges.

Manju Vachani, principal of KC College, feels it is impossible to keep a check on all the students.

“We do fine students if they are caught using cell phones on the premises. The fine depends on the place where the student is caught (library, corridor, etc). We try to do our best.”

Colleges enforced the rule strictly when the rule was first put into place in December 2004, but it seems they have realised they are fighting a losing battle.

H R College at Churchgate used to have an anti-cell phone squad, which ensured that cell phones were not flaunted in corridors and classrooms. The squad is now defunct.

Gaurav Chovatia, who used to be on the squad, said, “The college peons still keep a check on cell phones, but they let the students go if no teacher sees them.”

The principal of Jai Hind College, Kirti Narain, said that there was no blanket ban on the use of cell phones.

However, the college may implement it from June, she added. “We have not taken any action yet, but may do so from the next academic year,” she said.

Speaking freely
 
We just have to bend a bit to talk in the library. Earphones are also helpful sometimes. We know that we will be caught, but it hardly matters.

Prerana Ahire, a student from KC College

Our college is very strict in implementing the rule. Some of the professors even confiscate the SIM card if caught. But students continue to use it.

Aaliyah Khan, National College

The rule is very stringent in our college. Students are caught and fined Rs 500 for carrying cells. But we continue to use mobiles.

Raahil Ansari, Mithibai College

My phone was once confiscated when it rang in the class. I am not aware about the university circular on the ban on phones but we use it in the corridors without obstruction.

Rishi Alwani, Jai Hind College