ADVERTISEMENT
Unmarried women banned from using mobile phones
The village leaders insist that mobile phone use among unmarried young girls has created a “nuisance to the society.” Any minor girl found using a mobile phone could face a stiff fine.
ADVERTISEMENT
As of 12 February, women in Suraj village face fines of Rs 2,100, around £21.60, for breaking the new rules, while informers can receive a reward of Rs 200 (£2).
The average daily wage in India is Rs 193 (£2), although 250 million people live below the poverty line earning just Rs 86 (90p) per day.
According to the Hindustan Times, village head Devshi Vankar said: “Why do girls need cell phone? Internet is a waste of time and money for a middle-class community like us.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Girls should better utilise their time for study and other works.”
According to the website, Mr Vankar also said the “entire population of 2,500” in the village “welcomed the decision” issued by the panchayat, or local self-government.
The only exception to the ban is made if a relative wants to talk to a woman, in which case she is permitted to use her parent’s phone.
It is believed the new rule was created as part of a drive to fight alcoholism mainly aimed at men in the village.
Village elders felt the use of mobile phones by unmarried women created problems in society similar to those caused by the abuse of alcohol by men.
ADVERTISEMENT
Raikarnji Thakor, a community leader from north Gujarat, said: “Alcohol consumption by men and cell phone use by women creates a lot of disturbance in society.
“Young girls get misguided. It can break families and ruin relationship.”
Suraj village, which is 100km from Ahmedabad, the largest state in Gujarat, is the first in the region to implement the restrictions, but the Hindustan Times says other northern parts of the state could follow.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh