SRINAGAR: As the wedding season approaches in Kashmir, widespread outrage has erupted over the Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) decision to hike marriage and community hall booking charges. The steep increase has placed a significant financial burden on lower and middle-class families already struggling with economic distress, rising unemployment, and inflation.
The SMC has issued an official order (No. 261 of 2025, dated March 19, 2025) revising the rental charges for community and marriage halls under its jurisdiction, effective from April 1, 2025. The revised rates are categorized into three groups based on the halls’ locations and facilities. Premium halls, which now cost Rs 25,000 per day, include Khadi Mill Batamaloo, Malla Bagh, Hubby Colony Sikh Bagh Lal Bazar, and Main Road Baba Demb. Mid-tier halls, priced at Rs 20,000 per day, include Ellahi Bagh Buchpora, Sokalipora Rajouri Kadal, Nalbal Nowshara, Lal Nagar Chanapora, Rambagh Khal, Gunj Bugh Tengpora, Radapora Khanyar, Gassi Mohalla Safa Kadal, Baghwanpora Noor Bagh, Batapora Hazratbal, Panchkarwari Habbak, Ziyarat Batamaloo, and Shutra Shahi. Standard halls, available for Rs 15,000 per day, include Doulatabad Khanyar, Lone Mohalla Abi Nowpora, Barbarshah Near MPL Latrine, Rozbal Khanyar, Charamgari Mohalla, Chotta Bazar, Nalbandpora Safa Kadal, Jamia Masjid Nowhatta, Gatta Colony Noor Bagh, Rawatpora Barzulla, Gadood Bagh Habba Kadal, Abi Guzar Lal Chowk, General Bagh Kathidarwaza, Rehbab Sahib, and Karfali Mohalla.
While the revision offers some concessions, such as a 50 per cent discount for individuals under the AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) category and a 25 per cent discount for PHH (Priority Household) category members, these concessions are subject to verification of ration cards. Additionally, non-marriage events like funerals will be charged only 20 per cent of the fixed rate. However, the policy also introduces strict cancellation terms, including a 10 per cent processing fee for cancellations made at least one month in advance and a complete forfeiture of payments for cancellations due to natural calamities.
Kashmir’s economy has faced multiple setbacks in recent years due to political uncertainty, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a decline in business activity. Small business owners, daily wage workers, transporters, artisans, and farmers are among those finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Many businesses, particularly in the retail, handicrafts, and hospitality sectors, are facing declining sales and are unable to repay bank loans, leading to a surge in Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). This economic downturn has forced many businesses to shut down or downsize, resulting in mass layoffs and shrinking income opportunities.
A typical Kashmiri wedding lasts two to three days, with an additional day required for preparations such as setting up the Shafaa (traditional space for preparing Wazwan), venue decoration, and lighting and sound arrangements. With the revised Rs 25,000 per day fee for premium halls, families now face expenses exceeding Rs 75,000 just for venue bookings—an unaffordable sum for many in the Valley.
Veteran trade leader Mohammad Sadiq Baqal voiced strong opposition to the decision, stating, “The business community is already on the verge of collapse. Many traders, shopkeepers, and vendors are struggling to pay rent. With rising unemployment and no financial support, increasing marriage hall charges will only push more people into financial distress. This decision is not only unfair but also lacks empathy for the ongoing economic crisis.”
Ghulam Mohammad, a distressed resident, expressed his frustration, saying, “How can a poor man afford Rs 25,000 per day? Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event, and now even that is becoming a luxury. The government should consider our plight instead of burdening us further. If this decision is not reversed, many families will be forced to either cancel or shift their weddings to inadequate spaces.”
Small business owner Manzoor Ahmad warned, “Many businesses have already turned into bank defaulters due to low sales and zero profit margins. People are losing jobs, and now this additional financial burden will only worsen the situation. The administration must reconsider this move. Weddings should not become an unaffordable privilege—it is a basic social necessity in our culture.”
Srinagar residents already face severe space constraints, with many families living in cramped homes on less than a marla of land. In downtown areas, multi-family households are common due to land scarcity and skyrocketing property prices. The economic hardship has made it increasingly difficult for families to afford adequate housing, let alone high wedding costs. Adding to the crisis, gold prices have reached an all-time high, making it nearly impossible for middle-class families to meet traditional wedding expectations. Many young people are delaying marriage due to job instability and financial struggles, and this fee hike has only deepened their worries.
Amid growing public anger, citizens and trade leaders are urging Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and roll back the SMC’s decision. They argue that the government should prioritise public welfare over revenue generation and revise the exorbitant hall booking charges before the situation worsens further. The demand for immediate intervention continues to gain momentum as affected families struggle to cope with the mounting economic pressures.
