Jaipur, December 23: In a move stirring debate on women's digital autonomy, a village council in Rajasthan's Jalore district has reportedly restricted married women, specifically daughters-in-law, from using mobile phones equipped with cameras. The directive, issued recently, aims to uphold traditional values and prevent perceived misuse, drawing immediate attention to the ongoing tension between customary practices and modern rights in rural India.

What Is the New Directive?

The decision, reportedly made by local elders and community leaders in Pipali village, prohibits daughters-in-law from owning or operating mobile phones that possess camera functionality. While the specific enforcement mechanisms remain unclear, such decrees often carry significant social weight within these communities, with potential social ostracisation or fines for non-compliance. The restriction targets married women, suggesting a focus on maintaining family honour and privacy within the marital home. Rajasthan Shocker: MBBS Student at Jagannath Pahariya Medical College Ends Life by Hanging From Ceiling Hours Before His Exam.

As per the directive, daughters-in-law and young women from 15 villages in Jalore district have been banned from using phones with cameras starting January 26, reports PTI. In addition to this, taking a phone to public functions or a neighbour's house will also be prohibited. Instead, women will only be allowed to use keypad phones instead of smartphones. Notably, the decision was made during a meeting of the Chaudhary community held on Sunday, December 21, in Gazipur village, Jalore district. The meeting was chaired by Sujnaram Chaudhary, the president of the 14 pattis (subdivisions).

Rationale Behind the Decision and Local Perspectives

Proponents of the ban argue it is a measure to preserve community traditions and protect family privacy, particularly against the backdrop of increasing social media use. Some local residents reportedly express concerns about the potential for "misuse" of camera phones, including the creation or sharing of inappropriate content, which they believe could disrupt social harmony and family honour. They suggest the ban is a preventative step to maintain social order and protect the reputation of families.

Concerns Over Women's Rights and Digital Inclusion

However, the directive has drawn sharp criticism from women's rights activists and advocacy groups, who view it as a regressive step that curtails women's fundamental freedoms and access to essential communication tools. Critics highlight that such bans disproportionately affect women, limiting their ability to connect with family, access information, pursue education, or even ensure their safety in emergencies. It also runs counter to national initiatives like 'Digital India,' which aim to bridge the digital divide and empower citizens through technology. Experts argue that rather than banning technology, efforts should focus on digital literacy and responsible usage. Rajasthan Shocker: Woman Drowns Her 3 Young Children in Water Tank in Balotra, Later Dies by Suicide.

The Role of Village Councils

Village councils, often referred to as Khap Panchayats in northern India, are traditional social organisations that wield considerable influence in rural areas. While they hold no official legal authority, their pronouncements are frequently adhered to by villagers due to social pressure and community norms. These bodies often intervene in matters of marriage, social conduct, and inter-community disputes, though their decisions have frequently faced scrutiny for infringing upon individual rights and statutory laws.

Broader Context and Official Stance

This incident is not isolated, with similar restrictions on women's use of mobile phones or internet access reported in various parts of India over the years. While state authorities generally maintain that such extra-constitutional bodies have no power to impose bans that violate fundamental rights, direct intervention in specific village decrees can be complex. There has been no immediate official statement from Rajasthan state authorities regarding this particular directive, leaving its enforceability and long-term implications uncertain.

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