In an Orwellian diktat, the panchayat of Parsa village in Bihar's Madhubani has banned the use of mobile phones by female students. In a meeting attended by hundreds of villagers, it was decided that girls can only talk to their relatives in front of their parents. More so, the panchayat has also restricted all students from leaving their house after dusk.

Former sarpanch Sanyog Lal Yadav said that the decision of the panchayat will be strictly followed. "If a student is found to be in violation, then the family members along with the student will also be punished," said Yadav. The meeting chaired by sarpanch Yogendra Mandal resolved to remove the evils of society. Strikingly, all these resolutions were passed unanimously by the attendants of the meeting. Girls were requested to not roam outside their house at night and, not even for going to the toilet outside the house.

In another list of decrees, gambling, consumption of liquor and sale of liquor are also banned. These decrees have invited strong criticism from students. "On one hand, efforts are made day and night to digitise the country, on the other hand, decrees by panchayat like this is a hindrance for the development of the country and society," said an aggrieved student Snehlata.

WHAT’S BANNED Unanimously passed bans include: Students roaming out after dusk, girls using mobile phones, girls going out for toilet at night, drinking/sale of alcohol, gambling

Reacting sharply on the issue, State Women's Commission Chairman Dilmani Mishra said that girls have freedom in every matter. "Girls cannot be stopped from talking on mobile phone and wearing jeans. The commission is looking into the matter," said Mishra.

Zee Media Newsroom