In a surprising move in Rajasthan, a panchayat in Jalore district has enacted a ban on daughters-in-law and young women from using camera-equipped mobile phones across 15 villages. This decision, which will take effect on January 26 next year, restricts these women from taking any mobile devices to public events or even to neighbors’ houses. Instead, they will only be permitted to use basic keypad phones for communication.
The directive emerged during a meeting of the Chaudhary community held on Sunday in Gazipur village. Sujnaram Chaudhary, the president of the 14 pattis (subdivisions), confirmed that Panch Himmtaram announced this ruling. According to Himmtaram, the community engaged in discussions leading to the decision to limit mobile phone usage to keypad devices among daughters-in-law and young women, following concerns regarding potential distractions and health impacts.
Chaudhary emphasized that while school-aged girls may require mobile phones for educational purposes, they are only allowed to use them at home and must abstain from bringing them to weddings, social gatherings, or neighbors’ houses. This ruling is aimed at controlling access to devices that can become tools for distractions or negative influences.
In discussing the rationale behind the decision, Chaudhary stated that it stems from concerns that children frequently use the mobile phones of women in their families, which can adversely affect their eyesight. He noted that some women give phones to their children to keep them engaged, enabling them to manage household chores more effectively.
This ruling has ignited debate within the community, drawing comparisons to a recent initiative by the Israeli Education Ministry that prohibits mobile phone use in primary schools. The Israeli measure aims to combat the negative impact of digital devices on children’s education and development. The Ministry cited research indicating that a reduction in screen time promotes healthier educational environments focused on interpersonal connections and emotional growth.
Education Minister Yoav Kisch reinforced the necessity of this policy, explaining that removing mobile phones from school premises helps diminish distractions and supports stronger human interactions. The policy, applying to all primary students nationwide, will be implemented starting February 2. It will include educational programs aimed at instilling balanced mobile use and preventing excessive engagement with social media.
According to UNESCO, the movement to limit smartphone use in educational settings is part of a broader, global trend, with 40% of education systems worldwide embracing some form of mobile phone restriction by the close of 2024.
As the conversation around the impact of mobile phones on youth continues to evolve, the actions taken by both the community in Jalore and Israel reflect growing concerns about digital device usage. The implications of these policies raise essential questions about balancing technology with traditional values and the priority of youth development in an increasingly digital world.
This ongoing dialogue is vital as societies navigate the challenges posed by mobile technology while striving to safeguard the well-being and growth of the younger generation.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/only-keypad-phones-allowed-rajasthan-village-bans-camera-phones-for-daughtersinlaw-11766487172586.html
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Publish Date: 2025-12-23 17:28:00
