Tughlaq’s Leather Coins in the Digital Age? Why the Mobile Ban in Karnal Offices May Backfire

Imagine a 14th-century ruler issuing leather coins to improve frugality and administration. That was Muhammad bin Tughlaq, whose good intentions turned disastrous due to poor execution. Fast forward to 2025, and Karnal’s Deputy Commissioner seems to have found a modern echo: banning mobile phones in government offices to “boost productivity and ensure discipline.” While the intention to boost productivity and reduce distractions is understandable, this rigid approach risks being a modern-day echo of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s infamous currency experiment: a well-meaning idea with disastrous execution. This isn't just a local administrative decision; it's a symptom of a larger problem—a failure to adapt to how modern work, particularly in a developing digital economy, actually functions.

On paper, it looks sensible: restrict distractions, protect official information, and instill focus. Only 24 officials—branch heads, PAs, stenographers, and SARAL Kendra staff—are allowed phones for OTP authentication. But the reality? This diktat risks creating workflow chaos, bottlenecks, and frustrated employees.

Why This Ban May Not Work

1. Workflow Dependency on Mobile Communication:
In today’s offices, much official information—orders, notifications, and coordination—travels via mobile apps like WhatsApp. With limited computers and dependency on operators, banning phones will delay access to crucial information.

2. Evidence from Science:

Studies show smartphone bans improve simple task efficiency, but complex or collaborative work suffers.

Interruptions are harmful—but restricting access entirely can also cause stress and inefficiency.

Mobile devices, when managed securely, can enhance productivity and reduce delays.

3. Administrative Bottlenecks:
Allowing only a few employees to carry phones means others will constantly seek their devices for calls or information, creating friction instead of smooth workflow.

4. Historical Parallels:
Like Tughlaq’s leather coins, the mobile ban reflects good intentions but flawed implementation. The vision is to improve efficiency—but without adapting to practical realities, the result could be chaos and inefficiency.

A Smarter Approach

Hybrid Policies: Issue official mobiles to field staff and key officers with secure management.

Task-Based Restrictions: Limit usage only in areas where focus is critical, allow phones for communication and emergencies.

Soft Enforcement & Transparency: Explain the purpose of restrictions, allow exceptions for urgent needs, and audit productivity impacts.

Infrastructure Upgrade: Improve computer availability to reduce dependency on personal devices.

Conclusion

The real issue isn't the presence of mobile phones but the lack of a robust, integrated, and reliable digital infrastructure within the government itself. Banning personal devices without providing adequate alternatives is like asking an artist to paint without a brush and then blaming them for not producing a masterpiece.

This banning of mobiles outright may seem disciplined and headline-worthy, but it ignores the realities of modern governance. Just as Tughlaq’s leather coins failed despite good intentions, a rigid mobile ban risks creating frustration, inefficiency, and delays. Smart, flexible policies—grounded in science and workflow realities—are the key to true administrative efficiency.

Invest in Infrastructure: Provide every employee with a dedicated computer, reliable internet, and an official mobile device for work purposes.

Develop Secure Platforms: Create a secure, government-approved communication platform to replace unofficial apps like WhatsApp, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.

Implement Smart Policies: Distinguish between official and personal use and enforce a professional code of conduct rather than a complete ban. Task-based restrictions, where phone use is limited only in areas or during meetings where focus is critical, offer a more balanced and effective solution.

Ultimately, the goal of improving efficiency is a noble one. However, achieving it requires a policy that embraces modern realities, not one that ignores them. By creating smarter, more adaptable policies, the government can leverage technology to enhance productivity, improve citizen services, and truly realize the vision of a Digital India.

In the age of instant communication, banning mobiles may be less “discipline” and more “digital Tughlaq.”