Different Rules Married Women Allowed 500 Gram Gold, Unmarried Women 250 Gram
Recently the government declared as reported by Financial Express, “The ministry further notified that that I-T department would not seize gold jewellery to extent of 500 grams per married lady, 250 grams per unmarried lady and 100 grams per male member of the family besides the above relaxation. Also, legitimate holding of jewellery up to any extent is fully protected, said CBDT.”
We understand the rules, but why does one have to differentiate and create a divide between the unmarried and married women in our country?
This will perpetuate stereotypes, sexism, stigmas, social ostracization, judgments and discrimination in our already existent patriarchal society.
A married woman has superior, exalted and a more respectful place in our society compared to the single woman.
There is constant pressure on women to get married. In our society, a woman’s happiness, success and security comes from getting married. This new ruling makes this discrimination, stigma, pressure and judgment further more apparent for her.
So doesn’t this new ruling perpetuate the idea of dowry culture in India? As this does imply that a married woman will need to own more jewellery, show and give it by the virtue of getting married.
This ruling disables women at many levels. This reiterates the fact that in India, rather than spending on a girl’s education, families need to save and buy gold jewellery for her marriage. This gives her social status and acceptance.
Basically an unmarried and single woman can be a blazing success and make tons of monies to afford as much jewellery as she pleases but that doesn’t appeal to the Indian sensibilities?
Economic and financial independence for women is paramount to her empowerment. Any kind of abuse, violation or discrimination is reduced when she is financially sound. The fact that she may want to secure her money in the form of gold assets is now not allowed to her?
Well, then what happens to the woman who doesn’t want to get married? Be a single mom? She will be discriminated for her choices? Prejudices should become more visible in our already patriarchal society?
This new ruling defies logic, rational, sensibilities. It brings about stronger bigotry and shame for women in our society. Can someone wake up and smell the coffee, please?
More news on the same topic:
-
28 Aug 2014
