Haryana chief secretary orders stricter enforcement, awareness against dowry

Chandigarh: Haryana chief secretary Anurag Rastogi on Wednesday directed districts and 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).Commissioner & secretary (WCD) Shekhar Vidyarthi said Haryana Institute of Public Administration will conduct structured training for officers.The govt urged citizens to report dowry harassment, assuring strict action against offenders.