Haryana Launches Statewide Campaign Against Dowry; Chief Secretary Calls for Stronger Enforcement and Public Participation

SDMs to Lead Anti-Dowry Efforts as Designated Dowry Prohibition Officers

Chandigarh, May 2026 : Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi had chaired a high-level review meeting to strengthen enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and directed all district administrations to intensify awareness campaigns and enforcement mechanisms against the social evil of dowry.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Home Department, Education Department, Women and Child Development Department, Haryana State Legal Services Authority and others. The review was held in compliance with directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in State of U.P. versus Ajmal Beg and Others, wherein all States were directed to ensure effective implementation of anti-dowry laws, appointment and training of Dowry Prohibition Officers and large-scale public awareness initiatives.

During the meeting, Sh. Rastogi stressed the need for a coordinated and people-centric strategy to curb dowry-related harassment and 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 stated that Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) across Haryana have already been designated as Dowry Prohibition Officers under a State 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.

District Administrations Directed to Intensify Awareness and Enforcement

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed Deputy Commissioners across the state to launch extensive awareness campaigns in coordination with the Haryana State Legal Services Authority, particularly targeting 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.

Public Outreach, Training and Accountability

To strengthen accessibility and grievance redressal mechanisms, Sh. 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.

Commissioner & Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, Sh. Shekhar Vidyarthi informed that the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), Gurugram, has been requested to organize structured training programmes for Dowry Prohibition Officers focusing on legal provisions, coordination with police authorities, victim support systems and prompt intervention in complaints related to dowry harassment.

Focus on awareness drives & community outreach programmes

He said District Programme Officers have been directed to conduct extensive awareness drives at village, block and district levels through anganwadi networks and community outreach programmes to educate citizens, particularly youth, women and parents, about the legal and social consequences of dowry practices. In this regard, the Women & Child Development Department has already conducted around 17,000 awareness camps across the state.

Educational institutions, Panchayati Raj Institutions, religious leaders, social organizations and civil society groups shall also be requested to actively participate in building a dowry-free Haryana and promoting marriages based on equality, dignity and mutual respect.

Citizens facing dowry-related harassment, intimidation or unlawful demands have been urged to report such incidents without fear to the nearest Dowry Prohibition Officer, local administration, police authorities or Women and Child Development officials. The government reiterated that strict action will be taken against persons found demanding dowry or harassing women and their families.

Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, State Project Director, Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojna Parishad, Smt. Varsha Khangwal and other senior officers were present in the meeting.