Department of Women and Child Development
Government of NCT of Delhi

Implementation of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

Despite the enactment of the Anti-Dowry Act, 1961, the evil practice of dowry persists in almost all income groups and segments of population. It is well accepted that a mere enactment of this legislation will not be enough and the deep rooted social evil of dowry can be tackled effectively with greater public awareness and cooperation. This dowry prohibition programme has therefore, been launched by the Department of Women and Child Development, Delhi Government to undertake mass campaign and make concerted drive for generating public awareness and social action against the practice of dowry. 

The implementation of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 is the responsibility of State Government, therefore, a Dowry Prohibition Cell has already been established at the Headquarter and all 10 District Social Welfare Officers have been designated as Dowry Prohibition Officers vide notification No.150 dated 03.09.1998. The State Government has notified Dowry Prohibition Rules, 2000 vide Delhi Gazette Notification No. 169 dated 6.10.2010. However, at present the Protection Officers in districts placed under the supervision of District Social Welfare Officers/District Dowry Prohibition Officers are also looking after the work of Dowry Prohibition along with Protection of women from Domestic Violence. 

During the year 2012-13, 470 awareness Programmes on Dowry Prohibition were conducted through approved troupes from Song and Drama Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India under the supervision of Child Development Project Officers of ICDS at field level in Delhi.