Halga villagers decide to ban mobile phones and TV for two hours daily to promote reading and family bonding

Belagavi: In a unique initiative aimed at encouraging children to move away from mobile phones and focus more on studies, and to promote family communication, the residents of Halga village in Belagavi have decided to ban the use of mobile phones and television in their homes every evening from 7 PM to 9 PM, except in emergency situations.

Halga, which consists of 1,452 households, has observed that many children in the village are often engrossed in their mobile phones, while families spend considerable time watching TV. This growing trend raised concerns among the villagers, prompting them to take action.

Inspired by a similar initiative in a village in Sangli district of Maharashtra, where the residents had imposed a ban on mobile phones and TV for two hours daily, the villagers of Halga have decided to follow suit.

“Loud sirens near the village Panchayat office will signal the start of this initiative at 7 PM every day. We have requested the villagers to stop using mobile phones and TV during these two hours, and they have responded positively,” said Lakshmi Gejapathi, President of the Village Panchayat.

The decision has been warmly supported by the villagers. “This decision is aimed at increasing reading habits among children and fostering better communication and bonding within families,” said villager Ningappa Kaling.

This effort by the Halga villagers reflects a growing concern about excessive screen time and the importance of promoting personal connections within families, particularly in rural areas.

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