Highest Dowry Deaths in UP and Bihar in 2012, 2013 & 2014 

The highest number of dowry deaths during the last three years consecutively have been reported from the state of Uttar Pradesh followed by Bihar. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Uttar Pradesh reported 2244 dowry deaths(Sec 304 B of IPC) in 2012, 2335 dowry deaths in 2013 & 2469 dowry deaths in 2014(Provisional) which is the highest in the country for that year. Bihar is placed second in dowry death cases consecutively in the last three years with number of 1275 dowry deaths reported in 2012 & 1182 in 2013, 1373 in 2014(Provisional). The states of West Bengal, Rajasthan, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh reported among the highest cases of Cruelty by Husband or his Relatives (Sec 498-A IPC) during the last three years.

As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, a total number of 9038, 10709 and 10050 cases have been registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 during 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively. Similarly, a total number of 8233, 8083 and 8455 cases were registered under section 304 B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (Dowry Death) in the country during 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively.

The implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 is the responsibility of the respective State Government in the country. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 lays down a built-in implementation mechanism in the form of Dowry Prohibition Officers to ensure effective and efficacious enforcement of the law. The Ministry reviews with the States time to time for effective implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

All the States except Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram and Nagaland where the dowry system is not in prevalence, have appointed Dowry Prohibition Officers. In most of the States, the duty of Dowry Prohibition Officer has been given as additional charge to existing State functionaries

The Government of India regularly conducts awareness generation programmes and publicity campaigns on various laws relating to women including Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 through workshops, fairs, cultural programmes, seminars, training programmes etc. Advertisements are regularly brought out in the print and electronic media to create awareness on laws relating to rights of women.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in reply to an unstarred question in Rajya Sabha today.