Karnataka Champions Reading Culture with Expanded ‘Leave Mobile, Hold Book’ Drive |

Updated: February 22, 2026 09:59

Image Source: The Hindu

The Karnataka government has expanded its Leave Mobile, Hold Book campaign across schools to tackle rising mobile phone addiction among children. The initiative promotes reading habits, co-curricular engagement, and parental awareness, aiming to instill discipline, reduce screen dependency, and foster a culture of learning through books and libraries.

In a decisive step to address the growing concern of mobile phone addiction among schoolchildren, the Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy has expanded its widely appreciated Leave Mobile, Hold Book campaign across the state. The initiative, also known locally as Mobile Bidi, Pustaka Hidi, is designed to encourage students to put down their devices and rediscover the joy of reading.

Key highlights of the campaign include:

Statewide expansion: Initially piloted in select schools, the campaign will now cover government schools across Karnataka, reaching nearly 50 lakh students.
Multi-department collaboration: The drive involves not only the Education Department but also the Women and Child Welfare, Health and Family Welfare, and Police Departments, ensuring a holistic approach to tackling digital addiction.
Focus on reading culture: Teachers have been urged to cultivate library habits among children, while schools are encouraged to organize book fairs, storytelling sessions, and reading clubs.
Parental involvement: Awareness programs will be conducted to help parents monitor screen time and encourage healthier routines at home.
Co-curricular emphasis: Beyond reading, the campaign promotes sports, arts, and other activities to balance academic learning with creative and physical development.

Officials highlighted that unchecked gadget use has led to a decline in reading ability, concentration, and overall learning outcomes. By systematically cultivating a love for books, the government hopes to reverse these trends and strengthen foundational education.

The campaign also aligns with broader national goals of digital detox and holistic child development, positioning Karnataka as a pioneer in addressing technology-driven challenges in education. Experts believe this initiative could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar concerns.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah underscored the importance of the campaign, noting that “books shape minds, while unchecked mobile use risks shaping distractions.” The government’s vision is clear: empower children with knowledge, discipline, and curiosity - values that screens alone cannot provide.

With its expansion, Leave Mobile, Hold Book is expected to become a cornerstone of Karnataka’s education reforms, fostering a generation that values learning beyond digital devices.

Sources: Asianet Newsable, Deccan Herald, Times of India

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