Earning Rs 3 lakh/month but ‘can’t afford 1 BHK’: Gurugram's DINK couple decision sparks debate, netizens say 'silent pandemic underway'

Gurugram DINK couple: A couple staying in Gurugram earning Rs 36 LPA has sparked a massive debate online after saying they refuse to have a child. The decision has led to online discussions about urban affordability, living costs and rising expenses in India's metro cities. The reason behind why the couple decided to opt out of parenthood was shared by their cousin Harsh Gupta, who deals in real estate in the Delhi NCR region. A DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) couple is a household with two partners who are both employed and have chosen not to have children.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru rain update

Gurugram couple earns Rs 36 LPA but can't afford child

His cousin broke down the salary structure of the couple and revealed that his 35-year-old cousin earns Rs 2 lakh every month, while his wife earns Rs 1 lakh and together, they earn Rs 36 lakh annually. This may sound a comfortable income for many in India but the couple said their reality is very different when it comes to expenses in Gurugram.

Can't even afford 1 BHK

The couple said that they can't afford a decent one-bedroom set in the city, so how will they care for a baby? Apart from rent or property prices, the couple is also concerned about education costs. According to Gupta, his cousin said he cannot afford to spend Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 every month on private school fees.

ALSO READ: LPG Price Today (May 1)

Read full post here

"My cousin in Gurugram isn't having kids. He's 35, earns 2L/month, his wife earns 1L/month. On paper, they're doing well," text on the image read. "But his reason is simple: 'I can't even afford a decent 1BHK in Gurugram. How do I find more space for a child when I can't even afford enough space for myself and how do I budget an extra Rs 30-40K a month for private schooling?'"

"And then we act surprised when fertility rates decline in urban cities."

Social media reaction

The DINK couple's choice reflect a growing sentiment among young professionals who often say that high salaries no longer guarantee housing, savings or family security. The post has resonated with many while many others have disagreed to it.

"A silent pandemic is underway in Indian cities. Far too many couples are opting to not have kids at all. It is the wrong decision. Most will regret it," a comment read.


"Of all the couples I know that have chosen to not have kids, exactly zero have regrets. Even those that are 80+," wrote another.

"So you are promising the couples to take care of their kids in all ways ? Financially, giving your time energy effort 24×7 ..? Even if someone can afford to take care of their kid but still choose not to..its a very selfless decision not selfish," commented another.

"Why is it the wrong decision? India is so over populated. It will help if some couples choose to be DINK. They are helping the nation and themselves," said another.