How a Chinese district is solving its population problems by giving newlyweds Rs 11,411

China's ongoing battle with its soaring population figures has led to some unconventional measures aimed at controlling population growth. One such measure involves the legal marriage age, set at 22 for men and 20 for women across the country. However, due to an imbalanced sex ratio, the Changshan district has implemented a unique strategy. Newlywed couples in this district stand to receive a sum of over 1000 yuan, which is approximately 138 US dollars (roughly Rs 11,411), if the groom marries a woman aged 25 or younger.

Paradoxically, while the government is imposing stringent restrictions to curb population growth, it's simultaneously taking steps to boost marriage rates in specific regions to bolster overall population numbers. Authorities have introduced a financial incentive specifically for couples where the bride is 25 years old or younger.

Chinese authorities are evidently committed to preserving their cultural "heritage" and promoting "traditions." Recently, China celebrated its version of Valentine's Day known as the "Qixi Festival." On this occasion, citizens received messages encouraging them to contribute to Chinese heritage and national rejuvenation by marrying and starting families at an appropriate age.


Analyzing marriage trends in China reveals a significant rise in the rejection of marriage proposals among young people. Since the 1970s, marriage has increasingly been rejected by many in China. In 2022, the country witnessed the most substantial decline in marriage rates in over six decades, with numbers dwindling to 6.83 million. This marked the ninth consecutive year of decline.

"People in China are now prioritizing their personal development over a life centered around parenthood," says Yuan Xin, Vice President of the China Population Association.

This shift in temprament is likely to see people opting to not marry and/or have children due to the perception of having children as an obstacle to their personal growth and happiness.

Additionally, newlywed couples in various regions are entitled to paid leave in support of their marriage. Provinces like Gansu and Shanxi in northwest China offer this benefit, with Shanghai providing 10 days and Sichuan offering three days for marriage-related matters.

In March, China took active steps to discourage the practice of demanding exorbitant "bride prices," akin to the dowry custom in India. This tradition had been ingrained in Chinese culture but is now regarded as a societal issue. Young women in Jiangxi province are being encouraged to reject such local customs.

To stimulate higher birth rates, numerous women have posted videos declaring that they are in their 20s or 30s and won't seek cars, houses, or money upon marriage. All of these measures aim to remove barriers to achieving increased birth rates.