What's the buzz

The Jiangsu provincial government has decided to forego the 9-yuan ($1.5) fees to register a marriage or divorce from July 1. Will the move have any effect on couples seeking to get married or those seeking divorce? Below are the opinions of some of China Daily's readers:

I support the decision of the Jiangsu provincial government. Judging from our current consumption levels, 9 yuan is by no means a large amount for any couple. Therefore, I do not think the provincial government's decision to cancel the fees will prompt more couples to get married. Rather, it reveals that marriage has nothing to do with money and that true love is priceless.

Tiffany, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province

I don't think couples will make a beeline for the altar just because the provincial government has decided to cancel the marriage registration fees. A marriage is based on love and understanding. And even if married couples encounter problems and decide on divorce, they have to be prudent in their consideration. Their decision should not have anything to do with registration fees.

Manman, Tianjin

I think the 9-yuan fees that couples used to pay for marriage registration was symbolic, for 9 sounds like "forever" in Chinese, making it an auspicious number for couples. But there was no reason for the government to cancel the marriage registration fees, because the government could have taken measures in many other areas to make people's life better.

Beibei, Haikou, Hainan province

I welcome the decision to cancel the marriage registration fees in Jiangsu from July 1, because it is part of the provincial government's public welfare policy. Although 9 yuan is a small amount, the decision is a welcome gesture by the provincial government. The government, nevertheless, needs to make more efforts to improve and regulate public services to truly make life better for the people.

Xiaoxiami, Fuzhou, Fujian province

I think the policy is good. In these times of rising prices, the news of the cancellation of marriage registration fees is a welcome change. It's good to see that civil affairs authorities are paying attention to people's needs. Therefore, I support the Jiangsu provincial government's decision.

A READER, Beijing

Nine yuan cannot stop a couple from getting married or seeking a divorce. Yet by canceling the registration fees, the Jiangsu government has done something that is against the trend. It certainly is good news.

Levin, Changzhou, Jiangsu province

The marriage registration fees that couples in Jiangsu used to pay was just symbolic. So its cancellation is nothing special. Nothing will change.

A READER, Hebi, Henan province

(China Daily 06/24/2013 page9)