NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has issued a directive that bans the use of mobile phones within classrooms, labs, and playgrounds of both public and private schools. According to the latest notification released by the Directorate of Education (DoE), parents are required to ensure that their children do not bring mobile phones onto the school premises. Should students bring mobile phones to school, the school administration must arrange for secure storage in lockers, returning the devices to the students only after school hours. Furthermore, the directive extends to teachers and staff as well, urging them to refrain from using mobile phones within educational spaces like classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and playgrounds where teaching and learning activities are conducted. This measure aims to create a more focused and engaged learning environment. In a separate initiative, the Delhi government has unveiled plans to introduce French, German, and Japanese language instruction in 58 government schools. This step is being implemented as a pilot project for students in Classes 6 and 7. In accordance with the directive from the Directorate of Education, "With the goal of equipping students to meet the demands of the modern globalized professional landscape and to enhance their linguistic proficiency, the Directorate of Education, GNCT Delhi, has taken the decision to introduce three foreign languages—French, German, and Japanese—in 58 government schools (two schools in each zone) as part of a phased Pilot Project during the Academic Session of 2023-24." In another significant development, teachers in Delhi government schools will transition to marking student attendance online using tablets or the school's computer system. Manual attendance records will no longer be considered valid. The attendance data will hold importance in determining eligibility for final examinations, as emphasized in an official circular. "The online attendance records will be deemed final for examinations. The attendance information provided online by the class teacher and the school will be centralized at the headquarters level," stated the DoE. Underscoring the importance of student presence in school and their active participation in the learning process, the DoE affirmed the critical role of this practice in fostering a conducive educational environment. Independence Day: Har Ghar Tiranga Launched With A Bike Rally Of MPs Parliament Monsoon Session ends today: Key Highlights from 16-Days