Happily ever after? Rising trend of 'contractual marriages' and 'reverse dowry' in Punjab

The trend of 'contractual marriages' and 'reverse dowry' is on the rise in Punjab. Here's how it has affected the lives of boys and girls who once dreamed of a life abroad.

Punjab is witnessing an increase in instances of "reverse dowry" and "contractual marriage". The arrangement is quite simple - if the Punjabi youth cannot make it abroad, he would piggyback on the qualifications of the woman, by marrying her.

The groom will then sponsor her studies abroad. She will send for a spouse visa so that he can join her and the two can settle down in a foreign country. But the truth seems to be far from 'happily ever after' with cases of marital fraud on the rise in Punjab's rural belt.