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Tackling dowry, a Bihar model

By K. Balchand

PATNA Nov. 5. In a move to contain the menace of dowry and related violence, the Bihar Government has decided to make it mandatory for all bridegrooms, particularly those employed by it, to declare all gifts received at their wedding.

The Bihar Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, approved the amendments to the Bihar State Prohibition of Dowry Rules, 1998. It has made the law more stringent against the practice of dowry, one of the major causes for atrocities against women in the State. The government intends to table the BSPDR, Amendment Bill, 2003 during the winter session of the legislature starting on December 12.

Under the proposed amendments, all grooms would be required to submit a declaration that they have not taken any dowry. The groom's father would need to provide a list of all presents received from the bride's family. The bride and her father would also have to submit within one month of the marriage a list of articles gifted.

The Bill designates the District Welfare Officer with dual charge as District Dowry Prohibition Officer (DDPO), vesting him or her with far-reaching powers under the Code of Criminal Procedure to investigate complaints relating to dowry. The DDPO could seek the help of the police and conduct a raid without a warrant. Much like a police officer, the DDPO would submit his investigation report before a Magistrate.

But the government has refrained from giving the DDPO the power to arrest suspected offenders. The groom, his father and the father-in-law would have to give their written undertaking to him. The DDPO would have to submit periodic reports about the compliance of the law with respect to all marriages conducted within his or her jurisdiction. The government has also decided to observe an anti-dowry day each year.

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