The decision to ban smartphones was taken at a meeting of the Baghpat khap, where members said the measures were aimed at promoting social harmony, discipline and cultural norms.
Baghpat (Uttar Pradesh): A khap panchayat in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district has issued a set of social guidelines banning teenagers from using smartphones and prohibiting boys and girls from wearing half-pants, citing concerns over Western influence and the erosion of traditional values.
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Thamba Desh Khap, where members said the measures were aimed at promoting social harmony, discipline and cultural norms. The guidelines apply to adolescents, with the panchayat stating that children aged between 18 and 20 do not require mobile phones and should instead spend time with family elders.
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Dagadh Khap Chaudhary Ompal Singh said mobile phones should be kept at home and not handed over to children. “Giving mobiles to girls can lead to bad habits; the same rule applies to boys,” he added.
Local resident Naresh Pal said the resolutions had been adopted 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,” he said.
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.” He added that awareness campaigns would be conducted in villages to promote compliance.
Wedding ceremonies to be held in villages
In addition to restrictions on dress and mobile phone use, the panchayat also announced new rules governing wedding ceremonies. Going forward, marriages are to be held at homes or within villages rather than in commercial marriage halls, guest lists are to be limited, and excessive expenditure is discouraged. Invitations should preferably be sent via WhatsApp instead of printed cards, the panchayat said.
On weddings, Ompal Singh stated that ceremonies held in marriage halls often create social complications, whereas village and home weddings help maintain relationships.
Panchayat members said the guidelines would be implemented across Uttar Pradesh and that other khap bodies would be approached to launch a wider campaign in support of the measures.
(With ANI inputs)
Published: 27 Dec 2025, 12:14 pm IST
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