Chandigarh, May 6 (IANS) Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting here to strengthen enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and directed all district administrations to intensify awareness campaigns and enforcement mechanisms.
During the meeting, Rastogi stressed the need for a coordinated and people-centric strategy to curb dowry-related harassment and offences.
He directed the roles and responsibilities of Dowry Prohibition Officers be clearly defined to ensure accountability and effective implementation of the law.
The Chief Secretary said Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) across the state have already been designated as Dowry Prohibition Officers under a government notification issued in October 2015.
He emphasized that these officers must remain proactive in handling complaints, spreading awareness and coordinating with law enforcement agencies for timely action.
The Chief Secretary directed Deputy Commissioners to launch extensive awareness campaigns in coordination with the Haryana State Legal Services Authority, particularly targeting the youth, educational institutions and rural communities.
He said the campaign aims to build social resistance against dowry demands and create awareness that demanding or giving dowry is a punishable offence under law.
He observed that many families continue to face emotional, financial and social pressure due to dowry practices, making collective societal action essential.
To strengthen accessibility and grievance redressal mechanisms, Rastogi directed that the names, contact numbers and official email IDs of Dowry Prohibition Officers be prominently displayed and widely publicized at district and sub-divisional levels so that victims and their families can easily approach authorities for assistance.
The Chief Secretary also stressed the need for periodic sensitization and structured training programmes for police officers and judicial officials dealing with 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 to ensure timely justice for genuine victims while ensuring expeditious disposal of cases.
–IANS
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