Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Wednesday, 6 May chaired a high-level review meeting in Chandigarh to strengthen enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, directing all district administrations across the state to intensify awareness campaigns and enforcement mechanisms. The meeting signals a renewed administrative push to tackle dowry-related harassment and violence in Haryana.

Key Directives from the Review Meeting

Rastogi stressed the need for a coordinated, people-centric strategy to curb dowry-related offences. He directed that the roles and responsibilities of Dowry Prohibition Officers be clearly defined to ensure accountability and effective implementation of the law.

The Chief Secretary noted that Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) across Haryana had already been designated as Dowry Prohibition Officers under a government notification issued in October 2015. He emphasised that these officers must remain proactive in handling complaints, spreading awareness, and coordinating with law enforcement agencies for timely action.

Awareness Campaigns Targeting Youth and Rural Communities

Rastogi directed Deputy Commissioners to launch extensive awareness campaigns in coordination with the Haryana State Legal Services Authority, particularly targeting youth, educational institutions, and rural communities. The campaign aims to build social resistance against dowry demands and reinforce the message that demanding or giving dowry is a punishable offence under Indian law.

He observed that many families continue to face emotional, financial, and social pressure due to dowry practices, making collective societal action essential. This comes amid persistent concerns about dowry-linked violence in several northern states, including Haryana.

Strengthening Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

To improve accessibility for victims, Rastogi directed that the names, contact numbers, and official email IDs of Dowry Prohibition Officers be prominently displayed and widely publicised at district and sub-divisional levels. The move is intended to ensure that victims and their families can easily approach authorities for assistance without facing procedural barriers.

Training for Police and Judicial Officials

The Chief Secretary also stressed the need for periodic sensitisation and structured training programmes for police officers and judicial officials handling dowry-related cases. He directed that complaints registered under Section 304-B — relating to dowry deaths — and Section 498-A — concerning cruelty against married women — be examined carefully from the earliest stage. The objective is to ensure timely justice for genuine victims while enabling expeditious disposal of cases.

With these directives now in place, the state administration is expected to roll out structured implementation plans at the district level in the coming weeks.