Jalore Panchayat Bans Smartphones for Women, Girls; Sparks Debate on Safety vs. Freedom

• Chaudhary community panchayat in Jalore, Rajasthan, banned smartphones with cameras for women and girls in 15 villages of Sundhamata Patti.
• Effective January 26, women are restricted to basic keypad phones for essential contact; carrying mobiles to public events is prohibited.
• Female students can use smartphones for studies inside their homes but are not allowed to take them outside.
• Panch Himtaram Chaudhary cited rising cybercrime and negative impact on children's studies/eyesight as reasons for the decision.
• The move has sparked debate, with some supporting it for safety and others questioning women's freedom; panchayat states it's voluntary.

Why It Matters: Jalore panchayat's smartphone ban for women aims for safety but raises concerns about freedom.