In a bid to encourage young unmarried women to study, an Indian village has released a rule banning them from owning a mobile phone.
According to Hindustan Times, the panchayat (government) of Suraj village, located about 100km from Gujarat state’s financial capital of Ahmedabad, has imposed a fine of 2,100 rupees (equivalent of $31) on anyone who violates the rule, while the informant will be paid 200 rupees ($3) compensation for his or her trouble.
“Internet is a waste of time and money for a middle-class community like us. Girls should better utilize their time for study and other works,” said village head, Devshi Vankar.
He added that the whole village welcomed the decision.
However, an unmarried woman could use her parents’ phone to contact a relative who wishes to talk to her.