Barmer/Jalore, Dec. 24 -- A community panchayat in Rajasthan's Jalore district has imposed a ban on camera-enabled mobile phones for women across 15 villages, over concerns of "excessive mobile usage" among children who often access their mother's phones. The decision, applicable to daughters-in-law and unmarried girls, will come into effect on January 26. Under the new rule, women will not be allowed to carry smartphones at public gatherings, social functions, weddings, or even while visiting neighbours. They have instead been advised to use basic keypad phones for communication. The restriction also extends beyond public spaces, significantly curbing the use of smartphones outside the home. The panchayat, however, has made a partial exemption for school- and college-going girls. According to the order, if mobile phones are required for study purposes, students may use them only within their homes. Carrying them outside, even for educational reasons, has been prohibited. The decision was taken during a meeting held on Sunday in Gazipur village under the Sundhamata Patti area. The meeting was chaired by Choudhary community leader Sujanaram Choudhary and attended by representatives from 14 pattis - local administrative units representing community clusters. Panch Himmataram read out the proposal, reportedly moved by Devaram of Karnol village. Defending the decision, community president Sujanaram Choudhary said the rule was introduced due to concerns over children's excessive mobile use. He said women's smartphones were often accessed by children, which he claimed could harm their eyesight. He described the restriction as a necessary measure taken in the interest of children's health. The ban will cover villages including Gazipura, Pavli, Kalda, Manojiya Vas, Rajikavas, Datalavas, Rajpura, Kodi, Sidrodi, Aladi, Ropsi, Khanadeval, Savdhar, Hathmi ki Dhani of Bhinmal, and Khanpur. Meanwhile, the decision has sparked opposition and debate both within and outside the community, with critics questioning its implications for women's freedom, education, and access to technology. Jyotsana Kumari, a third-year student, termed the decision "medieval", saying that "even in the present era, a male-dominated society continues to suppress women's liberty". She questioned why there should be two different standards, arguing that if mobile phones have negative effects, they affect boys equally. "Therefore, any restriction should apply to both genders, not just to girls and women," she said. Bhanwari Devi, 58, a resident of Bhinmal in Jalore district, welcomed the move, saying mobile phones were "ruining the lives of the youth" and even small children were facing their adverse effects. She added that excessive phone use was "disturbing marital life" and therefore needed to be curtailed. Lehari Devi, 32, a resident of Jalore, criticised the decision as a reflection of "clear double standards" in society. "Men remain outside the home and enjoy the freedom to do whatever they want, while women are confined within the household with very limited opportunities," she said. "In such circumstances, phones play a crucial role as they connect women to the outside world, keep them informed, and provide access to knowledge." Hinglaj Dan, the village sarpanch, remarked that "in the present time, such restrictions cannot be imposed on women, as they are equally participating in all spheres of society."...