J-K residents welcome govt. order placing restrictions on wedding expenditure

Jammu Kashmir, [India], Feb. 22 (ANI): Residents of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed the restrictions placed by the state government in order to curb wasteful expenditure incurred during weddings. The order which was announced by the Jammu and Kashmir government yesterday restricted the number of guests from the bride's side to 500 whereas that from the groom's side to 400. It also prohibits sending of dry fruits or sweets along with wedding invitations. Local residents said the decision would make things easier for the poor, who are often forced to take loans to fulfill societal expectations. "It is a very good decision taken by the government. They have reduced the number of wedding guests, the number of stalls at weddings have been reduced. They have also imposed restrictions on the sweets which are given along with the wedding invitation cards. This is a laudable step as the poor faced problems because they did not have a lavish budget. A poor person takes loans. Instead of celebrating the happiness he has to go through a lot of trouble after the wedding," said a local resident, Shashi Manhas, in Udhampur district. "This government decision is a good step and it will at least benefit the poor public because the poor people cannot compete against the rich. People spend more when they see others do it, therefore it a good decision taken by the government. We welcome it," said another local resident, Shankar Verma. The order also restricts the number of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to seven and the number of desserts to two. The decision also aims to prevent food wastage. The government has also banned the use of loudspeakers and firecrackers. Reportedly, a similar ban was imposed by the Kashmir government in 1984. However, it had to be revoked following protests. The order will come into force from April 1. (ANI)