Jalore: A panchayat in Rajasthan’s Jalore district has ordered women from 15 villages not to use  smartphones . They have nbeen asked to refrain from using smartphones even when visiting their neighbours. They have been asked to use basic keypad phones only.

The order was issued for THIS reason

According to one of the panchayat members, the decision has been taken as the children use mobile phones belonging to the women which may lead to damage in their eyes. The meeting was held in Ghazipur village of the district and was chaired by Sujanaram Chaudhary. The order added that girls studying at home will be allowed to use their smartphones. The order was read out by panchayat member Himmataram at the meeting.

Women and girls allowed to keep keypad phones

"It was decided that women and girls in 15 villages would use keypad phones for making calls outside their homes. Girls who need mobile phones for their studies will only be allowed to use them at home. They cannot carry mobile phones to wedding ceremonies, social events, or to a neighbour's house,” the order said.

Rules to be implemented on January 26

Sujanaram said that rules regarding mobile phone usage were implemented at Sunday's meeting. "This rule will be implemented in these villages from January 26. The rule will apply to the following villages in the Jalore district: Gajipura, Pavli, Kalra, Manojiyawas, Rajikawas, Datlawas, Rajpura, Kodi, Sidrodi, Aladi, Ropsi, Khanadewal, Savidhar, Hathmi ki Dhani (Bhinmal), and Khanpur.”

In 2017, a panchayat in Dholpur district of the state had reportedly banned girls from wearing jeans and using mobile phones. After the order Rajasthan Women’s Commission had called for an inquiry. The Commission took note that the Kushwah community panchayat at a village had issued the ban as "western culture was affecting the community’s dignity.”