Govt appoints CDPOs as Dowry Prohibition Officers to strengthen Anti-Dowry Law in Ladakh

LEH: The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has appointed Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) as Dowry Prohibition Officers across the region to strengthen enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and reinforce institutional mechanisms for the protection of women.

The notification, issued by the Social and Tribal Welfare Department, authorises the appointments under Sub-Section (1) of Section 8B of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

Under the notification, the designated CDPOs will exercise the powers and discharge the functions prescribed under Sub-Section (2) of Section 8B within their respective jurisdictions.

The Administration said the appointments are intended to improve enforcement of anti-dowry legislation by strengthening institutional arrangements for preventing dowry-related offences and enhancing awareness of the legal provisions at the grassroots level.

By assigning these responsibilities to CDPOs, who are already engaged in implementing women and child welfare programmes, the Administration aims to improve coordination in addressing complaints, monitoring violations and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Act.

Officials said the move is also expected to facilitate timely intervention in cases involving dowry-related harassment while strengthening the protection of the rights and dignity of women across the Union Territory.

The notification forms part of the Administration’s efforts to reinforce the implementation of laws aimed at safeguarding women and promoting an effective legal response to offences related to dowry.