In 8 years, over 1 lakh needy brides sought Govt aid for marriage

Srinagar, Aug 8: In Jammu and Kashmir, a societal dilemma is unfolding.

The sacred institution of marriage, once a joyous celebration of love and family, has transformed into a financial nightmare for many, particularly those from economically weaker sections.

This shift has prompted an unprecedented response from the government, resulting in a staggering Rs 394 crore being disbursed to support marriages among the poor over the past eight years.

The State Marriage Assistance Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, has become a lifeline for many impoverished families.

Since its inception in 2015-16, the scheme has supported 1,04,326 marriages, providing a one-time financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to each eligible bride.

Under the scheme, girls of marriageable age belonging to either Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) or Priority Household (PHH) ration card-holder families are eligible for assistance.

The criteria are strict: beneficiaries must be above 18 years of age, identified as poor in official survey lists, and should not have availed similar benefits under any other state or centrally sponsored scheme.

A senior Social Welfare Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, elaborated on the process: "After determining eligibility as per the laid down guidelines, the Committee sanctions the one-time financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the beneficiary, subject to the availability of funds. The sanctioned amount is then credited directly to the savings bank account of the eligible beneficiary girl."

The surge in applications for this scheme paints a vivid picture of the economic pressures facing Kashmiri families.

Bashir Ahmad, a daily wage labourer from Srinagar, shared his experience: "The rising costs of weddings have become a major concern for us. Without the government's support, it would have been impossible for me to marry off my daughters with dignity."

Ahmad's story is not unique.

Across the region, families are grappling with the escalating costs associated with weddings.

What was once a simple celebration has evolved into an extravagant affair, often stretching over several days and involving lavish feasts, expensive gifts, and ornate decorations.

This shift has put immense pressure on families, particularly those from lower-income brackets.

The root of this issue lies deep within Kashmiri society.

The pressure to host grand weddings stems from a complex interplay of tradition, social status, and a desire to showcase prosperity.

Even families struggling to make ends meet often feel compelled to spend beyond their means to avoid social stigma or loss of face.

While the government's financial assistance has provided relief to many, critics argue that it's merely treating the symptom rather than addressing the underlying cause.

Sociologists note, "The State Marriage Assistance Scheme is undoubtedly helping many families, but we need to address the societal pressure that's driving this trend of lavish weddings. It's a cultural shift that requires community engagement and awareness."

The scheme's impact is significant, with Rs 394 crore injected into the economy through these marriages.

However, this figure also raises questions about sustainability and the long-term implications of such financial support.

Some economists worry that easy access to funds might inadvertently encourage the trend of expensive weddings rather than promoting financial prudence.

Local NGOs and community leaders have started initiatives to promote simpler, more affordable weddings.

The "simple Nikah" movement, for instance, encourages couples to focus on the spiritual aspects of marriage rather than material displays.

However, these efforts are still in their infancy and face resistance from deeply entrenched social norms.