In a unique initiative which may set an example for others both in rural and urban India, a panchayat in Punjab’s Bathinda district has announced an incentive of Rs 21,000 to families who won’t serve liquor or play DJ music at wedding ceremonies. The decision was taken to encourage villagers not to indulge in wasteful expenditure on marriage functions and curb liquor abuse.
Ballo village Sarpanch Amarjit Kaur said that it is generally seen that quarrels erupt at functions where alcohol is served and loud music is played. Moreover, the loud music also disturbs the studies of students. “We want to encourage people not to indulge in wasteful expenditure during wedding functions,” she said.
The sarpanch said the panchayat has passed a resolution under which if a family does not serve liquor or play DJ music at wedding functions, it will be given Rs 21,000. Ballo village has a population of around 5,000 people.
Kaur further said the panchayat has sought from the government to set up a stadium in the village so the youth can be encouraged to take part in sports activities. “There should be a stadium in the village so that different games can be organised,” said the Sarpanch. The panchayat has also proposed to set up a biogas plant in the village. Free seeds will be given to farmers who opt for organic farming, she said.
Wedding season becomes a mess for the city like national Capital Delhi where liquors, loud music, crackers have become a fashion and people are ostentatious about it. “Not only loud music and crackers but the city goes under complete mess due to choking traffic situation. Wish marriage could be held in a civilised manner but Delhi is more horrible during the weddings season. This is worse for the senior citizens and elderly people as the marriage processions (baraat) never deem fit to care about neighbourhood issue. I have been facing this every wedding season and worse during winters when Delhi air is bad. Hope RWAs and social organizations take a cue from small town like Bhatinda,” said Abhay Banerjee, a resident of Khanpurin south Delhi area.
