Community body bans smartphone use for women in villages, sparks outrage

 

By Sagaya Fernando | December 23, 2025

Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA: A local community body in Rajasthan’s Jalore district has imposed a controversial ban on the use of smartphones by daughters and daughters-in-law across 15 villages, with the restriction set to come into effect from January 26. Under the directive, women will be barred from carrying camera-enabled mobile phones to weddings, public gatherings, social events, or even while visiting neighbours. However, basic keypad phones will be permitted for voice calls.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Chaudhary community of the Sundhamata Patti, held on Sunday at Gazipur village. The meeting was chaired by community president Sujanaram Chaudhary and attended by representatives from 14 pattis. The resolution was read out by panch member Himmataram and proposed by Devaram of Karnol village before being approved by community elders.

According to the guidelines, daughters and daughters-in-law will be allowed to use only non-camera keypad phones. School- and college-going girls may use smartphones strictly at home for educational purposes but are prohibited from carrying them outside the house under any circumstances.

Defending the decision, Sujanaram Chaudhary said the restriction was introduced due to concerns over excessive mobile phone usage by children. He claimed that children often use smartphones carried by women in the household, which, according to the community, could adversely affect their eyesight. “Some women hand over their phones to children to keep them occupied while managing household work. The decision was taken keeping children’s health in mind,” he said.

The ban will be enforced in villages including Gazipura, Pavli, Kalda, Manojiya Vas, Rajikavas, Datalavas, Rajpura, Kodi, Sidrodi, Aladi, Ropsi, Khanadeval, Savdhar, Hathmi ki Dhani of Bhinmal, and Khanpur, all located in the Patti region of Jalore district.

The decision has triggered widespread criticism and renewed debate over women’s rights, personal freedom, and the authority of community bodies in regulating private lives. Social activist Anita Soni, who runs the Ekal Nari Sangathan, questioned why such restrictions were imposed only on women. She pointed out that successive governments have promoted digital empowerment of women by distributing mobile phones and tablets, while deep-rooted social mindsets continue to undermine these efforts.

Police officials said they have not received any formal complaint regarding the decision so far. However, they added that appropriate action would be taken if a complaint is lodged.

Jalore has witnessed similar controversial community diktats in the past. Last year, elders ordered a social boycott of two families following a love marriage, imposing a fine of ₹12 lakh for their re-entry into the community. In another incident in June, a caste panchayat announced the social boycott of 55 families over a temple land dispute, prompting police intervention after a complaint was filed.