Barmer/Jalore, Dec. 26 -- The panchayat of the Kalbi Chaudhary community in Jalore district has withdrawn its controversial decision that restricted women from using smartphones. The panchayat members clarified that the decision was taken keeping children's well-being in mind, but it was misunderstood and strongly opposed, forcing them to cancel it. The issue dates back to a meeting held on December 21 in Gazipur village under the Sundhamata Patti of the Kalbi Chaudhary community. During the meeting, a decision was taken to impose a ban on the use of smartphones by daughters-in-law and girls from 15 villages, with the restriction proposed to begin from January 26. Following widespread criticism and opposition, another meeting of the panchayat was convened on Wednesday in Gazipur village, where the decision was formally withdrawn. Earlier, Panch Himmataram had read out the decision during the December 21 meeting, saying the proposal was discussed in detail by the panchayat and community members. Women were advised to keep keypad mobile phones for calling purposes. Senior panchayat member Natharam Chaudhary said, "Women mostly stay at home, and children use their phones after school. The decision was purely in the interest of children. We wanted to see the impact for one month before implementing it from January 26. However, people perceived it wrongly". President of 14 Patti Samaj, Sujanaram Chaudhary, said, "Since society did not approve of it, the panchayat decided to withdraw the proposal". htc...