A panchayat in the Jaunsar Scheduled Tribe area of Dehradun district has barred women from wearing more than three gold ornaments at weddings, claiming that excessive display of jewellery fuels jealousy and domestic discord.
Rule to curb ‘social pressure’ and financial strain
The joint panchayat of Kandhar and Indrani villages, located between the Yamuna and Tons rivers, announced that women would now be permitted to wear only a nose ring, earrings, and a mangalsutra at wedding ceremonies. Those who disobey will face a fine of ₹50,000, according to a PTI report.
Arjun Singh, the syana (head) of Kandhar village, said the decision aimed to prevent families from falling into debt due to societal pressure. “Because of the rising price of gold, many women feel compelled to buy more ornaments, leading to family disputes and financial stress. We want to promote equality and simplicity,” he said.
Women question one-sided restriction
While many women welcomed the intent behind the move, they voiced concerns about the decision being gender-specific. “If equality is to be achieved, why must only women’s jewellery be banned? Men’s spending on branded liquor should also be stopped,” said Amala Chauhan, a resident of Jaunsar, reported PTI. She added that gold is a valuable investment for women, often helpful during financial hardships.
Another local, Nisha Rawat, pointed out that extravagance at weddings goes beyond jewellery. "Earlier, home-made liquor was served at weddings, but now the display of branded liquor and expensive gifts has increased. If we are talking about reducing expenses, then alcohol and meat should also be banned," she said.
In Jaunsar, a Scheduled Tribe area with strong local governance traditions, panchayat directives are treated with seriousness and rarely challenged.
