A village in Karnataka launches daily ‘no-screen’ hours to boost study and family time

Halaga village near Belagavi enforces a daily 7–9 pm no‑screen rule, promoting study time and family bonding through voluntary community participation

Halaga, a village near Belagavi in Karnataka, has introduced a unique community initiative aimed at curbing excessive screen use and encouraging family interaction. Beginning December 17, 2025, residents voluntarily switch off televisions, mobile phones, laptops, and tablets between 7 pm and 9 pm every evening.

The program is signaled by sirens installed at the gram panchayat office—one at 7 pm to mark the start and another at 9 pm to indicate the end. During this period, households follow the slogan “No TV, no mobile, just study and conversation,” creating a dedicated window for academics and social bonding.

Home to nearly 12,000 people, Halaga is located on the outskirts of Belagavi near Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. The gram panchayat has taken the lead in promoting the initiative, with members visiting households to encourage compliance. The campaign is voluntary and community-driven, relying on awareness and peer support rather than legal enforcement.

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Authorities emphasize that the effort is designed to improve concentration among students while also strengthening family ties. Parents are urged to set an example by participating, ensuring that children benefit from distraction-free evenings.

The idea draws inspiration from Agran Dhulgaon village near Sangli in Maharashtra, where a similar program reportedly improved study habits among young learners. By adopting this model, Halaga hopes to replicate those benefits and establish itself as a pioneer in promoting healthier digital habits.