Uttarakhand Panchayat limits women’s jewellery to three items; locals demand similar curbs on alcohol and luxury spending

Panchayat imposes jewellery limit to curb financial strain, triggers gender fairness debate

October 30, 2025

Women question why liquor and luxury spending by men were excluded from the rule

Panchayat may review ban to include curbs on alcohol and wedding extravagance

A panchayat in Uttarakhand’s Jaunsar Scheduled Tribe region has stirred debate after imposing a restriction on women, allowing them to wear only three pieces of jewellery — a nose ring, earrings, and a mangalsutra — at weddings. The decision, announced by the joint panchayat of Kandhar and Indrani villages in Dehradun district, comes with a hefty penalty of ₹50,000 for violations.

The panchayat justified the move as an effort to reduce social pressure, financial stress, and jealousy arising from displays of gold jewellery. “Due to the high price of gold, many women come under peer pressure to buy more ornaments. This causes conflicts within families and financial strain. Our decision aims to reduce this inequality,” said Arjun Singh, the syana (senior elder) of Kandhar village, speaking to PTI Videos.

While some women supported the intent behind the rule, they questioned its gender-specific nature, calling for broader restrictions on men’s spending habits.

“If equality is to be achieved, why should only women be restricted? Men’s consumption of branded liquor should also be stopped. Gold is an investment that helps in difficult times, unlike alcohol or wasteful expenses,” said Amala Chauhan, a resident of Jaunsar.

Echoing similar sentiments, Nisha Rawat said that the trend of serving expensive liquor and meat at weddings has also become a display of wealth. “Earlier, people used to serve home-made liquor. Now, branded alcohol and costly gifts have become common. If the goal is to reduce unnecessary expenditure, the panchayat should ban these as well,” she said.

Many men in the community agreed with the women’s criticism. Bhim Singh Chauhan, another villager, said, “The restriction on jewellery is understandable, but the demand to control spending on alcohol and other luxuries is equally valid. The panchayat should take note of it.”

Responding to the growing pushback, Arjun Singh said the panchayat would revisit the women’s suggestions. “Their demands are justified. We will consider imposing similar restrictions on alcohol and extravagant expenses in a phased manner,” he said.

In the Jaunsar tribal belt, panchayat decisions are regarded as binding, and locals generally comply with them strictly. The latest directive has triggered a broader conversation on social equality, financial prudence, and gender fairness in rural governance.

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