All state and central government male employees would need to furnish declarations after marriage stating that they have not accepted any dowry. The declaration has to be signed by their spouses, fathers and fathers-in-law. Incidentally, this practice is already mandatory for Kerala state government employees.

The government is going to keep a close watch on what goes on in the ground. After scant success at curbing the age-old practice of dowry, sometimes masquerading as exchange of gifts, the government is now planning to bring all exchanges related to marriages strictly on record.

The ministry of women and child development (MWCD) is planning to make it mandatory for the families of the bride and the groom to maintain a list of gifts and other exchanges made at the time of marriage. The ministry will move a cabinet note seeking amendment to the existing provisions of the DPA. It is expected to be placed before the cabinet for approval by the end of this month.