Jalore Panchayat Bans Women's Smartphones, Backtracks Amid Uproar

• Rajasthan's Jalore Panchayat initially banned smartphones for women in 15 villages, allowing only keypad phones.
• The 'dictatorial decree' prohibited carrying mobiles to public functions, weddings, or neighbors' houses, set for Jan 26, 2026 implementation.
• Widespread protests erupted against the ban, seen as an attack on women's freedom.
• Panchayat member Himtaram Chaudhary softened the stance, stating compliance is optional, citing cybercrime and children's studies as reasons.
• The article highlights smartphones as tools for education, banking, and empowerment, contradicting the ban's premise.

Why It Matters: Jalore Panchayat's smartphone ban for women sparked outrage, leading to a partial backtrack and debate on digital access.