Kerala Governor moots collecting anti-dowry bonds from parents

During meeting with VCs, he says varsities have every right to do so

A meeting of Vice Chancellors of State universities convened by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan here on Friday recommended seeking an anti-dowry bond from parents at the time of admission of their children, stating that they would not give or receive dowry during the marriage of their wards. While participating in a fast by Gandhian organisations against the practice of dowry on Wednesday, the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the State universities, had suggested collecting a similar bond from the students before awarding them degrees and diplomas. Mr. Khan suggested that those appointed in universities should also give an undertaking that they would not receive or accept dowry. “The parents will have to sign the anti-dowry bond at the time of admission. The degrees given by the universities are being used to demand more dowry. Universities have every right to ask the person who is going to receive a degree to sign a bond against dowry,” he said.