Even as the rest of the world moves toward faster digital connectivity, women and girls in 15 villages of Rajasthan’s Jalore district have been asked to revert to basic keypad phones.
A local panchayat has announced a ban on smartphones for women, citing concerns over mobile addiction and the impact of screen use on children’s eyesight.
The decision was taken by the Sundhamaata Patti Panchayat of the Chaudhari community and will come into effect from January 26.
Under the new rule, women will be allowed to use only keypad phones without cameras. They will also be prohibited from carrying mobile phones to weddings, social gatherings, or even while visiting neighbours.
A video linked to the announcement has been widely shared on social media. In the clip, a man explains the rationale behind the ban, saying women should not possess camera-enabled phones and should use basic phones only for calling. He added that female students may use mobile phones at home for studies, but will not be allowed to carry them outside.
According to the panchayat, the move was prompted by concerns that children tend to use mobile phones more when women have access to them, potentially harming their eyesight. Regulating phone usage was therefore considered necessary, community leaders said.
The resolution was passed during a panchayat meeting held on Sunday in Ghazipur village, chaired by Sujanaram Chaudhary, president of the 14 Patti community. Panch Himmataram read out the proposal, which was put forward by the Devaram Karnol side, and it was unanimously approved by those present.
The rule will be enforced across several villages in the Bhinmal area, including Ghazipur, Pawali, Kalda, Manojiyawas, Rajikawas, Datlawas, Rajpura, Kodi, Sidrodi, Aldi, Ropsi, Khanadewal, Savidhar, Hathmi Ki Dhani, and Khanpur.
The decision has sparked sharp criticism from social activists and women’s rights organisations, who have described the order as discriminatory, regressive, and authoritarian, arguing that it curtails women’s autonomy and access to technology.