In Uttar Pradesh, Yogi government bans mobile phone in Cabinet meetings

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked his ministers not to bring mobile phones during Cabinet meetings. According to sources, the chief minister has taken this decision keeping in mind the threat of hacking and espionage of electronic equipment.

As per reports, ministers will now have to submit their mobile phones outside the Cabinet meeting venue. Earlier, ministers were allowed to bring mobile phones with them. However, they would keep them on silent mode or preferably switched off.

Sources said that CM Yogi wants all ministers to focus on discussion during the Cabinet meeting.

People privy to the development said that token arrangements have been put in place for the ministers to avoid any inconvenience. The responsibility of this token system has been given to the general administration department. Ministers will now get tokens after submitting their phones before going for meetings convened by the CM. They will be able to take them back by returning tokens.

Earlier in 2016, Union Ministers were asked not to carry mobile phones in Cabinet meetings to stop any possibility of leakage of information through hacking of communication devices.

"It has been decided that smartphones/mobile phones will henceforth not be permitted inside the meeting venues of Cabinet/Cabinet Committees," a directive issued by the Cabinet Secretariat said. Official sources said the measure will ensure that the discussion, which is mostly sensitive, during cabinet meetings remains secret.