Puttur: Puttur Assistant Commissioner H K Krishnamurthy urged educational institutions to initiate measures to ban the use of mobile phones in schools and colleges.

Strict action should be initiated against owners of shops situated near the schools and colleges if mobile phones of schoolchildren are found in the shops. 

Krishnamurthy, who was addressing head teachers and convenors of the educational institutions under Puttur Sub-division jurisdiction on Friday, said there was a need to instil discipline among children.  

“Drugs are sold near schools, colleges and hostels. Children are falling prey to drug abuse. An officer will be deployed to schools and colleges to check drug abuse and mobile phone use. When officers visit the schools, the teachers can discuss their problems,” said the assistant commissioner. 

He said police officers would visit shops situated near to schools and colleges. “Strict action will be initiated against those who spread rumours on social media and try to disrupt communal harmony. People should inform the police about those who try to spread rumours. The informers’ names will be kept confidential,” he added. 

DySP Dinakar Shetty said “Teachers should guide students.”  Belthangady Tahsildar Ganapathi Shastri, Kadaba Tahsildar John Prakash, Sullia Tahsildar Kunhi Ahmed and others were present.