Uttar Pradesh: Baghpat is split over the khap panchayat’s smartphone ban and the clothing code for children
Uttar Pradesh: The khap panchayat’s prohibition on under-18s using cellphones and wearing half-pants in public has caused division among the people of Baghpat district.
The panchayat said in its Saturday decree that marriages need to take place in homes and communities rather than banquet venues. It recommended the salwar-kurta for females and the kurta-pyjama for guys.
A number of academics and social activists have vehemently protested the rulings, despite the fact that certain groups have applauded them.
The rulings were dubbed “Tughlaqi diktats” by historian Amit Rai Jain, who said that mobile phones are now essential.
Jain told PTI that because social networking, employment, and education all rely heavily on mobile phones, any prohibition would be unfeasible.
Additionally, he emphasized that the government and administration, not panchayats, have the power to enact laws.
Thambedar Chaudhary by Deshkhap Mavi Yashpal Singh said that although he did not disagree with the rulings, nothing could be enforced by force.
“Cultured children naturally stay away from wrong practices,” he said, emphasizing the need of counseling children and instilling positive values. Political backing has also been given to the khap’s choices.
Senior Congress politician Chaudhary Yashpal Singh and Rajkumar Sangwan, a member of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) from Baghpat, said that upholding societal norms is urgently needed. According to Sangwan, the khap’s opinions are honorable as they improve the community.
Chaudhary Brijpal Singh of Thamba Patti Mehar Deshkhap and khap leader Subhash Chaudhary said that responsible local community members will be consulted in order to put the choices into action.
They went on to say that by working with other khaps, efforts will be made to implement these recommendations across Uttar Pradesh.
According to former Chhaprauli MLA Sahendra Singh Ramala, values are first established at home.
If the panchayat had made such a decision, he argued, its members had to lead by example.
He also emphasized the need for moderation while using cell phones, saying that having friends with kids and spending time with them are equally vital.