Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has launched an inquiry after a disturbing classroom video from a private school in Khatima, Udham Singh Nagar district went viral, sparking outrage.
In the clip, a student with bandaged eyes and red colour smeared around them pretends to have lost his sight, telling classmates that doctors removed both eyes because of excessive mobile phone use. The staged act left fellow students in tears, as a teacher asked: “Do you still want to use a mobile phone?” Several children were then heard shouting and promising not to touch their devices again.
The school described the exercise as an “emotional activity” meant to highlight the risks of screen addiction, online games and social media. However, critics condemned the fear‑based method, warning it could cause emotional harm rather than instil healthy habits.
District education officials swiftly ordered a probe. Harendra Mishra, Chief Education Officer of Udham Singh Nagar, said, “The Khatima Block Education Officer has been directed to investigate the incident. Necessary action will be taken against those concerned on the basis of the facts that emerge during the inquiry.”
He added that the investigating officer has been asked to submit the report to the department headquarters at the earliest. The inquiry will examine the aim of the activity, how it was organised, and whether safety and emotional well‑being protocols were followed.
Any decision on accountability of the school or staff will be taken only after the report is submitted.