Public Outrage Over SMC's Marriage Hall Fee Hike

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The Srinagar Municipal Corporation's (SMC) decision to increase marriage hall booking fees to ₹25,000 per day has sparked widespread resentment across the city, with families and business owners calling for an immediate rollback. The steep hike has been deemed an additional burden on the lower and middle-class families, already grappling with economic hardships, unemployment, and inflation.

The economic downturn in Kashmir has intensified in recent years due to Political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and sluggish business activities. Small business owners, artisans, transporters, shopkeepers, and daily wage workers are among the worst affected. Many are struggling to meet basic expenses, let alone afford the escalating costs of wedding functions.

Traditionally, Kashmiri weddings extend over several days, requiring space for Wazwan preparation, seating arrangements, lighting, and sound systems. Under the new fee structure, families may now have to shell out ₹75,000 or more just for the venue, a sum deemed unaffordable by most residents.

Business and Trade Leaders Voice Concern

Business community opposed the stating,“Our business community is already on the verge of collapse. Many shopkeepers and vendors are struggling to pay rent. Instead of providing financial relief, the government is making weddings a privilege for the wealthy.”

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He further added,“Thousands of small businesses are defaulting on bank loans due to declining sales and zero profit margins. Increasing marriage hall charges will only push more families into distress. This decision lacks empathy for the ongoing crisis.”

Mohammad Hussain , a Srinagar resident, expressed his frustration, saying,“A common man cannot afford ₹25,000 per day. Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events, and now they are becoming a luxury. The government should be reducing our burdens, not adding to them.”

A Burden on Space-Constrained Households

Many Srinagar families live in densely populated neighborhoods, with multiple generations under one roof due to rising property costs and land scarcity. The availability of community halls has been crucial for those without private spaces to host events. With gold prices at an all-time high and employment opportunities scarce, this additional financial burden has left many struggling to uphold traditional wedding customs.

Public Appeal for Government Intervention

As frustration grows, residents and trade leaders are urging J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and revoke the SMC's decision. They argue that during times of economic hardship, the administration should focus on providing relief rather than imposing additional financial strain on citizens.

With public anger mounting, calls for prioritizing welfare over revenue generation are growing louder. Citizens across Srinagar and Kashmir are demanding immediate revision of the fee hike, emphasizing that weddings should remain an accessible social tradition rather than an unaffordable luxury.

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