Baghpat: Taking a cue from the recent decision of a panchayat in Rajasthan to ban the use of smartphones by women, apparently to prevent their misuse by children, an influential khap panchayat in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district has decided to ban smartphones for teenagers and half-pants for both boys and girls, citing concerns about “Western influence” and erosion of cultural values.
Panchayat leaders have said that these guidelines will be implemented all across the state. The local body has also ordered regulations on wedding ceremonies, restricting guest lists and prohibiting excessive spending, as reported by Republic TV.
The guidelines say that teenagers below 18-20 years will not get to use smartphones, boys and girls will not be allowed to wear shorts, weddings to be held in villages or homes, not marriage halls, guest lists restricted, and W
hatsApp invitations preferred over physical cards.
This decision will be implemented across Uttar Pradesh in the interest of society and other khaps will also be contacted to run a campaign, those present at the meeting have said.
“The decision of society is supreme. The decision taken in Rajasthan is commendable. We also plan to ban smartphones and half-pants for boys. Children should sit with their family and elders to receive proper education and social guidance,” Thamba Desh Khap Chaudhary Brajpal Singh was quoted as saying by the channel.
Boys aged below 18-20 do not need phones. Awareness campaigns will be conducted in villages to promote this decision, he said.
“Giving mobiles to girls can lead to bad habits; the same rule will apply to boys. Phones should be kept at home only,” Dagadh Khap Chaudhary Ompal Singh said,
Marriages should be held in the village and at home, he said. Weddings in marriage halls create issues in relationships. Wedding invitations will now be sent via WhatsApp.
“We are taking this decision by consensus. There is no need to provide phones to minors. Mobile phone use in schools is different, but at home, it must be controlled. The panchayat’s decision is timely and appropriate,” a local resident said.