Mumbai: Kandivali college seizes kids’ phones for a year as part of a 'no cell policy'; students upset

A strict policy against mobile phones at a Kandivali-based college has left students fuming and restless over the past few months.

In an attempt to reprimand students for using mobile phones in college premises and during exams, Kandivali Education Society’s BK Shroff College Of Arts and MH Shroff College Of Commerce confiscates mobile phones of students found using them and keeps them in custody for one whole year. 

The college, which has a ‘no-mobile policy’ on campus, does not allow the use of mobile phones barring designated spaces such as common rooms and washrooms. Unlike most other colleges, which fine students or confiscate their phones, the college takes away the phone from the student and keeps it in its custody for one whole year before it is returned.

“College officials confiscate phones even if we are using them when there are no lectures and in the canteen. While imposing fines and confiscating phones for a few days is okay, keeping them in custody of the college for an entire year is a waste. On an average, at least four to five phones are confiscated every day,” said a student who did not wish to be named. The policy has been in force for over a year now.

Manoj Jariwala, former honorary secretary of the Maharashtra Class owners association said, “Colleges have no authority to impound mobiles of students. What is the guarantee of the safety of mobile phones in the college’s possession?”

Dr Lily Bhushan, Principal of the college said that the policy is put in place to restrict the use of mobile phones during college hours.

“Initially we used to fine students which did not deter them from using phones as they would pay the fine and get away with it. When nothing worked, we decided to confiscate phones for a year. Students are however allowed to use phones in designated areas, including common rooms.”

HARSH DIKTAT

The college confiscates phones of students if they are found using it in college premises. Students are issued a receipt on which it is stated that they would get their phones exactly after one year.