UP Khap: Citing concern over ‘western influence’, a Khap Panchayat in Bhaghpat district of Uttar Pradesh has banned smartphones for teenagers and half-pants for both boys and girls. The guideline, issued with an aim to increase social harmony and preserve cultural values, restricts the guest list in weddings and prohibits extravagant weddings.
Key Rules By Baghpat Khap Panchayat
- Smartphones are banned for teenagers under 18 years.
- Half-pants are banned for boys and girls.
- Weddings to be held in villages or homes, not marriage halls.
- Guest lists are restricted.
- WhatsApp invitations will be preferred over physical cards.
Guidelines To Be Implemented Across UP
The panchayat members in attendance declared that the decision would be rolled out statewide in Uttar Pradesh for the greater good of society, adding that other khaps would be approached to launch a coordinated campaign.
Thamba Desh Khap Chaudhary Brajpal Singh said, "The decision of society is supreme. The decision taken in Rajasthan is commendable. We also plan to ban smartphones and half-pants for boys. Children should sit with their family and elders to receive proper education and social guidance." Singh added that boys aged 18-20 do not need phones.
Local resident Naresh Pal stated, "We are taking this decision by consensus. There is no need to provide phones to minors. Mobile phone use in schools is different, but at home, it must be controlled. The panchayat's decision is timely and appropriate."