Will the implementation of mobile jammers in universities be effective in curbing cybercrime?

The potential prohibition of mobile phones on university grounds has stirred up anxiety among students across the city. The Maharashtra government’s Higher Education and Technical Education Department has suggested this measure as a means to tackle cybercrime within universities.

Despite this, the students felt that their freedom had been infringed upon. Lala Atole, a student at ILS Law School, deems the proposed ban to be utterly illogical.

“School authorities can impose stricter rules on the use of mobile phones in classrooms, but installing signal jammer will directly affect students’ freedom,” he said. Some students believe that installing jammers will not affect most students because they are addicted to games during class. “If mobile phones are banned and we can’t even answer important calls, students may think of avoiding lectures.” How does that help students?” “Asked Vedang Bhagwat, a student at Garware College.

While students have complained about the move, university authorities remain divided over the proposal. They can install wifi jamming in classrooms, but not throughout the campus. Hrishikesh Suman, principal of Symbiosis College of Arts and Business, said: “Jammers definitely help prevent distractions during class. Outside of the classroom, however, this can affect internal academic communication with teachers.” The authorities would welcome such a move only if they were given the power to control cell phone jammer. “Signal congestion affects our security systems and impedes emergency communications. Also, students are not used to restrictions, which can do more harm than good.” Dilip Sheth, principal of SP College.

Teachers believe that voluntary restraint is more helpful. “Students should voluntarily avoid using mobile phones without our close attention,” added MMCC principal MD Lawrence. Some people are even in favor of using cell phones on campus. “Jammers are not the solution because there are a lot of out-of-town students in Pune and their guardians usually need to contact them,” adds Girija Shankar, vice president of Neswadia Business School.