Wedding Regulation and Boosting Savings

Wedding ceremonies and dowry tend to have a direct effect on how soon poor people can alleviate their plight. Or, so the Government of Tajikistan seems to be showing. To regulate such a private matter, it passed a law in the summer of 2007 "On Streamlining Traditions, Celebrations, and Rituals in Republic of Tajikistan". It even created a special state body- Department for Streamlining Traditions and Customs of Executive Office of President of Republic of Tajikistan.

The Law regulates diverse issues such as funerals and birthdays. It limits the number of people that can be invited to a wedding, and forbids the celebration of promotion and appointment to state related jobs, for example. This is a difficult task not only in Tajikistan but in the whole of Central Asia, where respect is earned through sharing joyous occasions with numerous friends and relatives.

Supposed impacts were not long in coming. According to the Executive Office, the first three months of the implementation of the law brought savings worth $48 million. Bank savings accounts grew by $7million. This is a significant jump since many do not trust banks, and access to credit is difficult. Tajikistan currently is ranked 161 in the Doing Business Starting a business indicator and 170 in the Getting credit indicator. Hopes in Tajikistan are that this regulation of private life will ultimately improve life for all by stimulating the economy.