Baghpat: In Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, the Thamba Patti Mehar Deshkhap panchayat has issued new guidelines for children, prohibiting them from using smartphones and wearing half pants in public. Instead, boys have been advised to wear kurta-pyjamas and girls to don salwar-kurta, as per the khap’s recent meeting on Saturday.
Khap leaders stated that wearing half pants in public goes against social norms and can negatively influence society. They emphasized that both boys and girls are equal in society, and rules of discipline should be uniformly applied to all children.
The panchayat also voiced objections to weddings being organized in marriage halls, recommending that such ceremonies be held within villages or homes. However, invitations sent via WhatsApp are considered acceptable. Khap leaders argued that weddings in halls weaken family bonds and may create tension in marital relationships.
Chaudhary Brijpal Singh and Subhash Chaudhary, representing the khap, said that the decisions aim to uphold social values and guide the youth in the right direction. They added that while clothing choices within homes are personal, modest and traditional attire in public is “socially necessary.”
Expressing concerns over increasing smartphone usage among children, the khap stated that very few use phones for educational purposes, with most getting distracted and becoming disobedient. They suggested that children under 18 should not be given smartphones.
The khap plans to visit villages and hold discussions with local members to ensure implementation of these rules across Uttar Pradesh. Other khap councils are also being contacted to expand the initiative into a larger campaign.
Senior Congress leader Chaudhary Yashpal Singh and RLD MP Rajkumar Sangwan expressed support for the khap’s directives, saying that preserving cultural values and discipline among youth is essential. Yashpal Singh noted that guiding young people away from drugs, mobile addiction, and harmful influences is a shared responsibility of the government and the community.
Sangwan added that khap leaders play an important role in connecting youth with traditional values and culture, and their efforts should be respected as they contribute to strengthening society and the nation.
