Only keypad phone allowed: Smartphone ban for women in 15 villages

JAIPUR: Women's phones are more likely to be used by children. It can affect the eyes. Excessive use of the phone should be reduced. The Khap Panchayat of Jalore district, Rajasthan, has found a strange way to get this done. Banning women from using smartphones.

This decision was taken at a meeting of villagers. The meeting was chaired by Community president Sujanaram Choudhary and attended by representatives from 14 pattis (a local unit referring to areas dominated by a particular community). The ban applies to women in 15 villages. The ban will be implemented in the Gazipura, Pavli, Kalda, Manojiya Vas, Rajikavas, Datalavas, Rajpura, Kodi, Sidrodi, Aladi, Ropsi, Khanadeval, Savdhar, Hathmi ki Dhani of Bhinmal, and Khanpur villages.

Smartphones are not allowed when going to public events or neighbours' houses. Normal keypad phones can be used, but only at home. Smartphones can be used for educational purposes. Girls can only use phones at home for study purposes. There is widespread discussion and criticism that the decision affects women's digital freedom and rights.