Chandigarh: Haryana chief secretary Anurag Rastogi on Wednesday directed districts and sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to step up awareness drives and enforcement against dowry, stressing a coordinated, people-centric approach. Chairing a review meeting, he asked officials to ensure effective implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Rastogi said SDMs, designated as dowry prohibition officers since 2015, must proactively handle complaints, spread awareness, and coordinate with police. He directed that their contact details be widely publicised to improve access for victims. He also called for regular training and sensitisation of police and judicial officers, and careful scrutiny of cases under Sections 304-B (dowry death) and 498-A (cruelty) of the Indian Penal Code.
Commissioner and secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Shekhar Vidyarthi, said the Haryana Institute of Public Administration will conduct structured training for officers. The government urged citizens to report dowry harassment, assuring strict action against offenders.
