China county launches low bride price incentive scheme with offers of priority school choice, subsidies, move sparks online debate
- Reforms old custom, encourages frugality, gives certificate of honour
- Discounts wedding banquets, photography, offers farming allowance
A local authority in China has introduced an incentive scheme for newlywed families to cap the bride price they pay at 39,000 yuan (US$5,400) by offering them top priority in the choice of school for their children.
Chongyi county in Jiangxi province, southern China, launched the policy in an effort to prevent families splurging large amounts of money on the traditional marriage ritual.
As well as the education incentive for their unborn children, the scheme also offers a variety of favourable terms on services and other items, Jiupai News reported.
The parents of both sides of the marriage are also eligible for benefits.
In addition to their children be given preference when it comes to enrolling in local kindergarten and schools, the families will be entitled to one free physical examination at their local hospital.