A sect of the Jat community in Rajasthan’s Jalore district has issued a prohibition on smartphone use for married women, effective Republic Day in 2026. The decision, made at a caste panchayat held in Ghazipur village on December 21, restricts women from carrying camera-enabled mobile phones to weddings, public gatherings, and even visits with neighbors.
Restrictions and Rationale
The Sundhamata Patti panchayat of the Chaudhary clan reached the decision “with consensus,” according to reports. The stated concerns center on mobile phone addiction and the potential impact of excessive screen time on children’s eyesight. Panch Himmataram presented the proposal, which was then adopted as a resolution by the panchayat members and elders.
While camera-enabled smartphones are restricted in public and at events, the resolution allows girls pursuing education to use smartphones at home “strictly for academic purposes.” Community head Sujanaram Chaudhary explained that the decision stemmed from observations that children frequently use their mothers’ phones, leading to prolonged screen exposure and potential eyesight issues. He noted some women use phones to distract children while completing chores.
Public Reaction and Potential Enforcement
A video of the proclamation being read at the panchayat meeting circulated online, prompting criticism from social activists and women’s rights groups. The method of enforcement remains unclear. Some social media users have called for open defiance of the ban, while others have proposed reciprocal restrictions on men’s habits – specifically, the consumption of paan, bidis, cigarettes, hookah, and alcohol, as well as the keeping of moustaches.
The decision is also viewed by some as an attempt to protect family honor and privacy within marriages.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will this smartphone prohibition take effect?
The prohibition will take effect on Republic Day in 2026, with restrictions beginning January 26th for the 15 villages involved.
Who is affected by this decision?
The ban applies to married women and young women within the Sundhamata Patti clan of the Chaudhary community, specifically those residing in the 15 designated villages.
Are there any exceptions to the ban?
Girls currently pursuing education are permitted to use smartphones at home, but only “strictly for academic purposes” and are barred from bringing them to social events or while visiting neighbors.
How might communities respond to decisions like these in a rapidly changing technological landscape?
