Ding Shenyi (Eastday.com):

The declining marriage rate is often blamed on the heavy financial burden, but economic concerns are not the only reason. Many young people tend to marry late and are reluctant to have babies because it is difficult to get decent jobs and many can’t afford the surging housing prices. In addition, children’s preschool education and healthcare are also major problems. In this sense, the marriage subsidy is at most a supplement, but the biggest stumbling block to marriage is outdated public services. It is impor- tant not to be blinded by this kind of marriage subsidy.

At the same time, it is hoped that such subsidy programs will be implemented in more areas across the country. After all, it’s not totally useless even though only a small fraction of young people of marrying age can benefit from it. Currently, a marriage subsidy fund has been established in five Chinese cities. However, the most important thing is supportive public services. For instance, young people should be given greater access to decent jobs and a more rational housing system needs to follow. Preschool education as well as children’s welfare benefits should also be promoted to relieve the young of the material and psychological pressures related to marriage. In such a scenario, even without any subsidies, young people will once again look forward to getting married.