Rupnagar, June 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar, visited Rupnagar today under the Commission’s Rashtriya Mahila Aapke Dwar initiative. The visit included a Mahila Jan Sunwai, jail inspection, POSH workshop, and review meetings with district administration and police officials.
The Mahila Jan Sunwai covered cases from Rupnagar and Mohali districts in the presence of the Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police, Investigating Officers and other concerned officials. Nearly 40 cases were taken up, in addition to several walk-in complainants.
Reviewing the cases, the Chairperson directed police officials to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) within stipulated timelines and, in certain cases, within three days.
She expressed concern over instances where FIRs had not been registered and directed immediate action.
Emphasising the need for a victim-centric approach, Smt. Rahatkar observed that women approaching the police are often in distress and deserve a more empathetic response. She noted that Punjab Police can further strengthen sensitivity while dealing with women complainants.
In cases involving domestic disputes, mediation and counselling were suggested as appropriate mechanisms for resolution.
The Chairperson highlighted that the Rashtriya Mahila Aapke Dwar initiative is bringing grievance redressal mechanisms closer to women across the country. She noted that NCW has already conducted Jan Sunwais in hundreds of districts, ensuring direct access to justice and institutional support.
During her visit to the District Jail, Rupnagar, the Chairperson inspected barracks, washrooms, kitchen facilities, healthcare services and overall cleanliness. She interacted with undertrial and convicted inmates, reviewed crèche facilities for children residing with women inmates, assessed skill development initiatives, and interacted with doctors on duty regarding healthcare provisions.
Addressing officials during a workshop on the implementation of the POSH Act, the Chairperson called for greater institutional accountability and transparency. She urged regular internal audits, timely reporting, annual self-assessments and strict action against repeated violations.
She remarked that when a woman approaches an institution seeking help, she brings with her trust in the system, and it is the responsibility of every authority to honour that trust through prompt and fair action.
During review meetings with district administration and police officials, Smt. Rahatkar highlighted the growing challenge of NRI marriage fraud in Punjab. Referring to available data indicating that nearly 32,000 women in the state have reportedly been abandoned by NRI husbands, she called for faster investigations, better inter-agency coordination and timely legal action to support affected women.
The National Commission for Women remains committed to strengthening institutional mechanisms and ensuring the safety, dignity and empowerment of women across the country.
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