Before college admission students should sign bond against dowry: Kerala Governor

July 17: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Friday suggested that prior to taking admission in colleges students and their parents should sign a bond that they will not engage in the practice of dowry. He added that this bond should be signed before their degree is issued so that in case they practice dowry later, the university can cancel their degree.

Days after a series of dowry deaths rocked Kerala and led to a heated debate against the menace, Governor Khan had on July 14 observed a fast to create social awareness against social evil and end atrocities against women. Terming dowry an evil, he said social awareness should be created about it and urged NGOs or volunteers to create a special movement against social evil.

The Governor, who is also the chancellor of the universities in the state, said that many progressive suggestions were given at the meeting. “One was that, when one seeks admission, the person will have to sign the bond that they will not accept or give dowry… Dowry is a punishable crime. So universities will be asking (students) to sign a bond that we shall uphold the law,” Mr Khan said.