Dowry practice: Buddha waves red flag

For the first time, the Marxist-ruled State Government is taking stringent steps to check dowry practice among its own work force.From now o...

For the first time, the Marxist-ruled State Government is taking stringent steps to check dowry practice among its own work force.

From now on, all the State Government employees8212;right from the Chief Secretary downwards8212;will have to furnish a declaration stating that they have not taken any dowry at the time of their marriage. And if they are guilty of the offence, they will have to furnish proof that the dowry is now their wives8217; property.

The Finance Department is amending the rules of conduct governing its 10-lakh strong employees in this regard. Besides those who are already employed, the declaration is also applicable for married candidates who are going to get government jobs.

The State government8217;s amendment of the conduct rules follows a Supreme Court May ruling making it mandatory for all states to frame such rules. While the West Bengal Dowry Prohibition law has already got these provisions, the new rules make it mandatory for all employees to file such information.

Speaking to Newsline, S N Haque, Principal Secretary, Department of Child and Women Development, said: 8216;8216;I have sent the proposals to the Finance Department. According to my information, they are working to frame these rules. On Friday, an official from the Finance Department came to me to collect a copy of the West Bengal Dowry Prohibition law. The Finance Department will forward the amendments to the Justice Department, from where it will go to the Cabinet for approval.8217;8217; He warned that those who tried to hide dowry as 8216;8216;gift8217;8217; would not be able to escape. 8216;8216;Everybody will have to furnish proof that the gifts they got from their in-laws are now their wives8217; property,8217;8217; said Haque.

Meanwhile, sociologists have welcomed the government8217;s move. 8216;8216;It8217;s a very positive development. At least a check from the government can prove a deterrent to those seeking government jobs. However, more than laws and rules, what is needed is public awareness, social and economic development and women empowerment which can do away with this menace,8217;8217; said Prashanta Roy, eminent sociologist.