Rajasthan Village Elders Reverse Smartphone Ban for Women After Public Outcry

Village elders in Rajasthan have revoked a controversial ban on women using smartphones. The decision was reversed in Jalore district on Thursday. The initial ban affected 15 villages and was set to start on January 26.

The council, or panchayat, stated their original decision was “misunderstood.” They claimed the focus was on children’s welfare. The reversal follows significant backlash from activists and on social media.

Original Ban Aimed at Children and Cyber Safety

The ban was first announced on December 21. It targeted daughters and daughters-in-law in the Chaudhary community. They were to be prohibited from using smartphones entirely.

School-going girls were only allowed a phone for education at home. They could not take devices to social events. Women were permitted to use basic feature phones for calls only.

Community leader Natharam Chaudhary explained the reasoning. He said mothers complained children neglected studies for phones. Elders linked smartphone use to cyber fraud risks against women.

Backlash and Broader Social Implications

A video of the ban announcement spread online quickly. It prompted immediate criticism from women’s rights groups. Many saw it as a patriarchal control measure disguised as protection.

The ban was viewed as an attempt to control women’s mobility and access. Social media users urged mass defiance of the order. The strong public reaction ultimately pressured the elders to reconsider.

The reversal highlights ongoing tensions between tradition and technology in rural India. It underscores how community edicts can clash with individual digital rights. The episode shows public scrutiny can effectively challenge restrictive social norms.

The swift reversal of the smartphone ban marks a victory for digital access advocates. It demonstrates the power of public discourse in shaping community rules. This case will likely influence similar debates on technology and gender norms across the region.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: Why was the smartphone ban proposed?

Village elders said they acted on complaints from mothers. They cited concerns over children’s education and screen time. They also mentioned rising cases of cyber fraud targeting women.

Q2: Why was the ban reversed so quickly?

Significant public backlash forced a rethink. The decision drew sharp criticism from activists nationwide. Widespread media coverage and social media pressure led to the withdrawal.

Q3: Which villages were affected by this order?

The ban covered 15 villages in Rajasthan’s Jalore district. These included Ghazipur, Kalda, Rajpura, and Khanpur. The order was for the Chaudhary community in Sundhamata Patti.

Q4: What has been the reaction to the reversal?

Rights groups have welcomed the decision to lift the ban. It is seen as a positive step for women’s autonomy. The event shows traditional councils are not immune to public opinion.

Q5: Are such bans common in India?

Similar community-imposed restrictions occasionally surface. They often target women’s use of technology or mobility. Most are challenged legally or through social pressure, as seen here.

Trusted Sources: The Hindu, Reuters.