CHANDIGARH, INDIA, February 15, 2003: Men working for the Haryana government might soon be required to give a written declaration following their marriage stating they have not taken a dowry. In an attempt to stop this practice, Haryana is planning to appoint a chief dowry prohibition officer whose job will be to collect these declarations and lists of gifts employees receive at their weddings, a government spokesman said. Every employee, within a month of marriage, will have to furnish the declaration to the head of department stating he has not taken any dowry. His in-laws and wife would also be required to sign the declaration. A list of gifts received at the time of marriage would also have to be submitted. The list would include a brief description of each gift, its value, as well as the presenter’s name and relationship with the couple. The list would have to be signed by the newlyweds and their parents.
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