In a startling development in Rajasthan, a panchayat in Jalore district issued a diktat banning daughters-in-law and young women from 15 villages from using camera phones. The order will come into effect from January 26 next year, news agency PTI reported.
Besides, the panchayat has also banned them from taking the phone to public events or to a neighbour’s house. Instead of a camera phone, women will only be allowed to use keypad phones.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Chaudhary community held at Gazipur village in Jalore district on Sunday.
Sujnaram Chaudhary, president of 14 pattis (sub-divisions), told PTI that Panch Himmtaram had announced the decision.
According to Himmtaram, after discussions between the pancha and community members, it was decided that daughters-in-law and young women would only use keypad phones to make calls, as stated in the report.
Chaudhary further said that schoolgirls who need mobile phones for studies are allowed to use them only at home and are not allowed to take their mobiles to weddings, social events or even to a neighbour’s house.
Responding to opposition over the panchayat’s decision, Chaudhary clarified that the move was taken because children often use women’s mobile phones in their households, which can affect their eyesight.
He also mentioned that some women give their children phones to distract them, allowing them to focus on their daily chores.
No phone calls in elementary schools
While the village panchayat’s decision has raised eyebrows, banning the use of mobile phones by children is not new. Recently, the Israeli Ministry of Education announced a mandatory ban on cell phones in elementary schools. Citing the “negative effects” of digital devices on young students, the ministry is trying to promote a healthier learning environment focused on social interaction and emotional development, the news agency said. AFP.
While individual schools previously set their own rules — and Tel Aviv implemented a city-wide ban in September — the new policy applies to all elementary school students across the country. Education Minister Yoav Kisch said the move is supported by research showing that removing screens helps reduce distractions and strengthens interpersonal relationships.
Yoav Kisch said the policy is “based on studies in Israel and around the world, as well as the (ministry’s) commitment to a healthy and safe learning environment aimed at reducing the negative effects of student phone use.”
“From February 2, a new policy will be implemented in primary schools: children will be prohibited from using mobile phones on school premises,” the Ministry of Education said in a statement.
“Its implementation will include classroom education programs and dialogue with parents to inculcate balanced phone use, prevent excessive use of social media (by children) and reduce exposure to age-inappropriate content,” the statement added.
Israel is now joining a growing global trend. According to UNESCO, 40% of education systems worldwide will have implemented some form of smartphone ban by the end of 2024.
