Rajasthan Village Lifts Ban on Women Using Smartphones After Row, 'Decision Misunderstood’

Rajasthan village lifts ban on women using smartphones after row, 'decision misunderstood’

Village elders in Jalore, Rajasthan, lifted a ban on women using smartphones after community opposition. They agreed to withdraw the ban and stated that the decision was made with children in mind, but it was 'misunderstood'.

Ban on women using smartphones in Rajasthan withdrawn; elders say prohibition kept children in mind

The ban was imposed following the suggestions that women should not use smartphones, a Chaudhary community member said, adding that no one was bound to follow the decision.

Why Digital Access For Women Is Still Seen As A 'Threat' In India

A decision by a Panchayat in Rajasthan’s Jalore district has triggered debate, not because it talks about mobile usage but because of who it talks about. The rule applies specifically to “daughters-in-law” and “unmarried girls”. Under the decision, women and girls will no longer be allowed to use smartphones with cameras in public or at social gatherings. Instead, they will be limited to basic keypad phones for calls only.  The restriction appli…