Gurgaon Couple's High Income, Low Fertility: Balancing Career and Parenthood
Urban Couples' Decision to Remain Child-Free Sparks Online Debate
A Gurgaon couple's decision to avoid parenthood despite earning Rs 36 lakh a year has sparked online discussion. According to Harsh Gupta, his 35-year-old cousin and his wife earn Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh per month, respectively, taking their combined income to Rs 36 lakh per year.
The couple's hesitation to plan a child is due to the high cost of living and the risks associated with high school fees. In a post shared by Gupta, his cousin expressed that he cannot afford a proper 1BHK in Gurgaon, making it feel unrealistic to think about space for a child. The couple's annual income struggles to meet housing costs in Gurgaon, one of India's leading IT hubs close to Delhi.
Another factor behind the couple's decision is the inability to set aside Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 every month for private schooling. This highlights the financial burden that many urban couples face when considering starting a family. Harsh Gupta noted that it was no surprise that many urban couples are choosing to remain child-free, adding that fertility rates in cities are declining as a result.
Comparison of Housing Costs in Gurgaon and Other Cities
| City | Average 1BHK Rent (Rs) | Average School Fee (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Gurgaon | 50,000 - 70,000 | 30,000 - 40,000 |
| Delhi | 35,000 - 50,000 | 20,000 - 30,000 |
| Mumbai | 60,000 - 80,000 | 40,000 - 50,000 |
The post triggered a debate on social media, with users expressing their opinions on the couple's decision. One user wrote that people should only have kids if they are capable of providing a stable home and life, while another user stated that they couldn't even cover their own expenses with the couple's income. A third user praised the couple for thinking about the child's future and trying to secure it before birthing them.
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