Take strict actions against sociology textbook author highlighting "Merits of Dowry": DCW to Pradhan

The revelation has come a day after the passage from a 'Textbook of Sociology for Nurses' by T K Indrani stating the ‘Merits of Dowry’ went viral on social media.

Expressing anger towards the viral ‘regressive’ passage on ‘merits of dowry’, the Delhi Commission for Women has demanded strict action. DCW chairperson, Swati Maliwal has urged Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan to take cognizance of the text that ‘glorifies’ dowry and take appropriate action.

The revelation has come a day after the passage from a 'Textbook of Sociology for Nurses' by T K Indrani stating the ‘Merits of Dowry’ went viral on social media. People have highlighted the questionable title and its demeaning content. The extremely derogatory and chauvinistic passage of suggestive ‘share in parental property’ and ‘marriage of ugly women’ has raised eyebrows on the Nursing College for even approving such a book.

Following the reaction received by people across social media platforms, DCW has now urged the education minister to take strict action against the author for ‘glorifying the dowry system’. Maliwal has requested a penal action again the officials also for approving the said textbook.

Such incidents defeat Government of India's Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao agenda: DCW

"This disturbing development completely defeats the Government of India's Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao agenda," she said. She has also asked the Education Minister to ensure that the content is vetted and is both ‘gender inclusive’ and "Gender-Sensitive".

"DCW has demanded stringent action against the author of the passage and expressed dismay over the fact that even till date, use of masculine pronouns across textbooks and question papers in several domains was the norm," an official statement read.

The letter has also recommended penal provisions for action against such individuals and officials as well as the setting up of a national task force for checking such content. The Commission further urged the ministry to include the concepts of consent, respecting women, legal rights of women and crimes against women in the curriculum to raise awareness.

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