PATNA, Bihar — A local council in Bihar has banned girls and unmarried women from using mobile devices, on the grounds that they would increase extramarital relationships and forbidden marriages. Married women may use phones only indoors and under the supervision of a relative. The ban was issued on Sunday in a village called Sunderbari, in the Purnia district of eastern Bihar, which has 8,000 people. The fine is $180, or 10,000 rupees, for unmarried women and 2,000 rupees for married women.
Women's rights activists are demanding to be heard over this ban, which would deny women access to education, employment and modernization, according to Jagmati Sangwan, vice-president of the All India Democratic Women's Association. This has become a common practice among some self-appointed local councils, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The ban is most severe in Haryana, unlike in other village councils.
Panchayats have become so powerful that they can ban many social activities, such as watching television and movies, as well as the use of mobile devices by young girls and unmarried women. Married women are not exempt from the rule, according to Ms Sangwan.