A decision to ban the use of smartphones by women and girls in 15 villages of the Sundhamata belt of Jalore district of Rajasthan has come to light. According to the order issued by the local panchayat, from January 26, 2026, daughters-in-law and daughters of these villages will be allowed to use only basic keypad mobile phones, while camera phones and internet-enabled smartphones will remain prohibited.

The decision was taken during a recently held social panchayat meeting. The panchayat has argued that when women possess smartphones, young children remain exposed to mobile screens for long durations, which, it claims, is adversely affecting their eyesight and overall health.

As per the panchayat’s directives, women will not be allowed to carry smartphones even while attending weddings, social gatherings, or visiting neighbours. The panchayat has stated that the move aims to protect children from mobile addiction and to maintain what it described as a “balanced” family environment.

The meeting was held in Gazipur village and was chaired by Sujanaram Chaudhary, president of 14 pattis. Panchayat members and senior community elders present at the meeting unanimously passed the resolution.

However, the panchayat has provided limited exemptions for female students. Girls pursuing education will be permitted to use mobile phones only within their homes when necessary, but they will not be allowed to carry them outside.

Following the announcement, the decision has sparked sharp reactions at the local level as well as on social media. Critics have termed the order a direct attack on women’s personal freedom, education, and digital rights. Meanwhile, some individuals associated with the panchayat have defended the move, calling it a necessary step to safeguard children’s health.

Legal experts have pointed out that neither a gram panchayat nor a social panchayat has any statutory authority to impose such restrictions. They have added that affected women may approach the district administration, the police, or human rights commissions to lodge complaints.

The development has once again triggered a nationwide debate on women’s rights, digital access, and social control. So far, no official response has been issued by the administration regarding the decision.