Hoshiarpur, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Wednesday visited the Central Jail in Hoshiarpur and interacted with women inmates, urging them to prepare for a fresh start in mainstream society after completing their sentences. She also reviewed women-oriented welfare and development programmes with senior district officials.
During her interaction with the inmates, Rahatkar stressed the importance of focusing on their future, including the education and well-being of their children. She encouraged them to explore self-employment and livelihood opportunities, noting that government schemes provide assistance to women seeking economic independence.
She particularly urged inmates lodged under the NDPS Act to abandon involvement in drug-related activities, warning of their adverse impact on young people and society.
Accompanied by Jail Superintendent Harcharan Singh Gill, Additional Superintendent Harbans Singh and Deputy Superintendent Asha Rani, Rahatkar reviewed the facilities available to women prisoners. The inmates expressed satisfaction with accommodation, food and healthcare services. She also emphasised free legal aid, rehabilitation and skill development to facilitate dignified reintegration into society.
Rahatkar inspected facilities for infants and toddlers staying in the jail with their mothers and reviewed arrangements concerning their nutrition, safety and overall care.
Later, she held a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain and SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik at the District Administrative Complex. The Deputy Commissioner apprised her of various women-centric initiatives, including MGNREGA, the National Rural Livelihood Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Stand-Up India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and the One Stop Centre (SAKHI).
The district recorded 67 per cent participation of women in MGNREGA during 2025-26, officials said. The meeting also reviewed implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, including functioning of Internal Committees and awareness mechanisms.
Rahatkar called for stronger efforts to expand opportunities, participation and leadership for women. She noted that Hoshiarpur has a woman mayor and women officers holding senior positions in the civil and police administration.
SSP Malik said the district police has established a dedicated women help desk for registering complaints and addressing women’s concerns. He also highlighted the Mahila Mittar initiative under which women are sensitised about their rights through visits to schools, colleges and workplaces. He said prompt action was being taken in POCSO and acid-attack cases.
Rahatkar directed officials to undertake an audit of women-focused schemes, strengthen digital monitoring and ensure effective implementation of measures aimed at protecting women from crime and exploitation.
An awareness workshop involving more than 50 women associated with Self-Help Groups was also organised. The participants displayed their products and livelihood initiatives. Rahatkar stressed the need to strengthen women-led enterprises through skill development, market access, financial inclusion and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Mayor Parveen Saini, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Rakesh Kumar Meena, SP Navneet Kaur and District Programme Officer Gagandeep Singh were among those present.
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