Srinagar: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) recent decision to raise marriage hall booking fees has triggered widespread public outrage, as struggling families find themselves unable to afford these once-accessible venues. Originally meant to provide a cost-effective solution for economically weaker sections, these halls have now turned into revenue-generating entities, leaving many residents burdened by exorbitant charges.
Previously, the rental cost of these halls was ₹10,000 per day, but the revised pricing now categorizes them into three groups:
Category A: ₹25,000 per day
Category B: ₹20,000 per day
Category C: ₹15,000 per day
This drastic increase has placed a heavy financial strain on lower and middle-class families, who are already struggling with unemployment, inflation, and the region’s economic downturn. Locals argue that instead of providing relief, the government is making weddings a privilege for the wealthy.
Kashmir’s economy has suffered multiple setbacks in recent years due to political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and reduced business activity. Small business owners, transporters, artisans, shopkeepers, and daily wage workers are among the worst affected. With the new fee structure, families may now have to spend ₹75,000 or more just for the venue—an amount beyond the reach of many.
“A person who can barely arrange the basic necessities for a wedding cannot afford such high rental costs,” a resident told Kashmir Newsville.
The situation is especially dire for those living in congested housing, where marriage halls were their only option for hosting functions. Residents claim that these public spaces, originally intended for community welfare, have now been transformed into commercial enterprises prioritizing revenue over social responsibility.
Amid growing frustration, residents have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and roll back the fee hike.
“These halls were built for the people, not for profit. The administration must act before public resentment escalates further,” locals urged.
With public anger mounting, demands for prioritizing welfare over revenue generation are growing louder. Citizens across Srinagar and Kashmir are calling for an immediate revision of the fee hike, emphasizing that weddings should remain an accessible social tradition rather than an unaffordable luxury.
