Raj villages bar women from using smartphones

A local community body in Rajasthan's Jalore district has barred all women except girls pursuing education from using smartphones in 15 villages, with the restriction set to take effect from January 26.

- RAJESH ASNANI @ Jaipur

Under the new rule, women will not be permitted to carry camera-enabled mobile phones to public gatherings, weddings, or even to neighbours' houses. However, the use of basic keypad phones for voice calls has been permitted.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Chaudhary community of Sundhamata Patti, held last Sunday in Ghazipur village. The meeting was chaired by Sujanaram Chaudhary, president of the 14 Patti, where community elders deliberated on mobile phone usage within families.

According to community members, the resolution was formally read out by Panch Himmataram and was pro-