Strict lifestyle rules announced in Baghpat district
The Thamba Patti Mehr Desh Khap Panchayat in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district has announced a series of strict rules aimed at what it calls the protection of social and cultural values. The decisions focus mainly on children, youth, and wedding practices.
Khap leaders said they took these steps after observing a decline in discipline among students and young people.
Smartphones banned for children below 18
According to the new directive, children under the age of 18 are not allowed to use smartphones. Khap members believe mobile phone usage distracts students from studies and weakens respect for elders. Therefore, they decided to impose a complete restriction on teenagers using phones.
However, elders clarified that this rule applies only in public and social life.
Dress code imposed in public places
In addition, the Khap Panchayat has issued guidelines on clothing. Boys should not wear half pants, and girls should avoid shorts in public places. Instead, boys have been advised to wear kurta-pyjama, while girls should wear salwar-kameez.
At the same time, the Panchayat stated that individuals are free to wear any attire inside their homes. Still, they must follow traditional norms when stepping outside.
Weddings to be held at homes, not halls
The Khap also introduced changes related to marriage ceremonies. It advised families to conduct weddings at homes or within villages, rather than booking marriage halls. Leaders argued that the growing wedding hall culture weakens family bonding.
Moreover, to reduce expenses, the Panchayat suggested sending wedding invitations via WhatsApp instead of printing invitation cards.
Political leaders extend support
Meanwhile, these decisions have received backing from political leaders. Senior Congress leader Chaudhary Yashpal Singh and RLD MP Rajkumar Sangwan supported the move. They stated that such steps help preserve Indian culture and traditions.
Khap representatives added that they plan to discuss these rules with other Khap councils to implement them across Uttar Pradesh.
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