Impose ban on use of loudspeaker

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Invoking the ban of the use of loudspeakers sans permission by Allahabad High Court, Uttarakhand Commission for Protection of Child Rights (UCPCR) chairman Yogendra Khanduri has written to the State Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh to take steps to stop loudhailers heard blaring during the board examinations.

The children being very sensitive to sounds, the blaring of the loudspeakers disturb their concentration of studies during the board examinations. Khanduri said that the examinations of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate Secondary Education (ICSE) and Uttarakhand Class X and Class XII board examinations are slated in March.

“If the administration does not stop the use of loudspeakers it would leave an adverse impact on their result of the examinations. This bodes ill for all, as many of the students who do poorly or flunk the exams behave abnormally thereafter and in some cases, they fall prey to depression and commit suicides,” he said.

He said that in view of sound pollution leaving people mentally ill, Allahabad High Court in its landmark ruling has banned the use of loudspeakers sans permission from the authorities concerned in Uttar Pradesh. “By way of implementing it, the UP Government has banned the use of loudspeakers at public places, religious places, during marriage processions and agitations sans permission from the administration,” he said. The matter is of overall interest of students.

Khanduri further said that it is time for the Uttarakhand Government to act on the lead given by Uttar Pradesh Government at least during the time of the board examinations.

“There should not be more than 45 decibel sound if DJ is allowed for marriage ceremony during this period. The State administration should direct the DMs and SSPs to order ban on the use of loudhailers during the examination and enforce it strictly. And the commission should be informed about the same by the State administration,” he added.