Belagavi Village Observes ‘Digital Off’ Hours Daily to Rebuild Family and Social Bonds

In an age dominated by mobile phones, television, and online streaming platforms, a village in Karnataka’s Belagavi district has taken a rare and thoughtful step to reduce digital dependence and revive social and family values.

Halaga village in Belagavi taluk has introduced a daily two-hour “Digital Off” programme, under which the use of mobile phones, television, and internet is completely stopped every evening from 7 pm to 9 pm. The initiative has been in effect since December last year and has already shown positive results.

At the start of the Digital Off period, a siren is sounded by the gram panchayat, signalling residents to switch off all digital devices. During these two hours, children are encouraged to focus on studies, reading, writing, drawing, painting, and playing traditional games. Adults, meanwhile, spend time with their families, interact with elders, share stories, and discuss cultural values.

Villagers say the initiative has helped strengthen family relationships and improve communication within households. Many children and elders, who once believed they could not manage without mobile phones or television, have now begun to enjoy these screen-free hours.

“Earlier, we thought life without phones was impossible. Now, these two hours have become the most peaceful and meaningful part of our day,” a villager said.

The programme has received strong support from gram panchayat members, teachers, and the local community. Inspired by a similar initiative in a village in Maharashtra, Halaga adopted the idea with the goal of promoting education and steering children away from excessive screen time towards creative and healthy activities.

The Digital Off initiative of Halaga village is being seen as a potential model for other rural areas, offering a way to balance technology use while preserving human connection, cultural traditions, and social values.