In a move to counter cyber security threat and also check any possibility of leakage of information through hacking of communication devices, the Prime Minister's Office has asked Union Ministers not to carry mobile phones in Cabinet meetings.
Recently, the Cabinet Secretariat had issued a directive to private secretaries of the concerned ministers in this regard.
"It has been decided that smartphones/mobile phones will henceforth not be permitted inside the meeting venues of Cabinet/Cabinet Committees," it said.
The private secretaries have been asked to appropriately brief the ministers on this.
The move assumes significance as security agencies have raised doubts over the security of mobile phones which are prone to hacking.
Official sources said the measure will ensure that the discussion, which is mostly sensitive, during cabinet meetings remains secret.
Such an instruction has been issued from the government for the first time.
Earlier, ministers were allowed to bring mobile phones with them which would be kept either on silent mode or preferably switched off.
