Dowry and Remedial Measures to Get Rid Of It

Dowry refers to any property or valuable security given directly or indirectly to the parents and family of the bridegroom. In other words, the property in terms of cash or kind that a bridegroom receives from his wife or her family at the time of marriage is called ‘dowry’.

Awareness should be created among young generation and their families that they should live on their own hard work to enjoy their life. They should realise that taking dowry is not only a legal crime but also a wicked and inhuman act. Different educational institutions, police, Non-Governmental Organizations, social activists and workers, Government, mass media, etc. should launch strong movements against dowry system.

Parents of bride should not select bridegroom and his family who act greedily and demand dowry. They should prefer bridegroom having good qualities such as honesty, skills, good health and self-respect. Bridegrooms who are not concerned with the bride’s education, skills, talent and qualities must be immediately rejected because such bridegrooms are only interested in dowry.

Parents should encourage and allow their daughters to educate and take up jobs to earn money. This will help them to earn and become economically self-sufficient. Parents should allow their daughters to get married only after they start earning. The risk of divorce for educated girls also decreases. However, if divorce takes place, she can survive without the support of husband and in-laws.

If inter-caste marriage takes place, bridegrooms that are more suitable can be available. Parents should consider bridegrooms from other caste possessing good qualities, skills, potential to excel in life and most importantly ready to get married without taking dowry. Love marriages must be encouraged because they take place without giving and taking of dowry.

Bride’s parents and society should reject bridegrooms and their families who demands dowry. People should openly protest. They should not participate in such marriage ceremony. Anti-dowry environment should be created in society. Bridegrooms marrying without dowry should be honoured. This will inspire others to not demand dowry at marriage.

If bride is not treated well or harassed by husband or his family, she and her parents should not get frightened or confused. Parents of bride should give a warning to bridegroom and his family. A threat of legal action should be given. If they fail to gain appropriate assistance from police, they should approach social workers, local leaders and Non-Governmental Organizations. They should help their daughter to divorce and make her ready to remarry for better future or follow her career. In this way, she can be saved from being a prey of dowry.