Punjab State Women’s Commission Chairperson Visits Patiala Central Jail, Addresses Grievances of Women Inmates
PATIALA: Expressing grave concern over the increasing involvement of women in drug abuse and trafficking, Punjab State Women’s Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill emphasized the urgent need to address this alarming trend. She revealed that during her visits to various jails across the state, she observed that 60-70% of incarcerated women face charges under the NDPS Act. She described it a deeply troubling for society.
Chairperson Gill was talking with media during her visit to the Patiala Central Jail, where she met 128 women convicts and detainees to hear their grievances. She instructed Jail Superintendent Varun Sharma to ensure immediate resolution of issues concerning the inmates, particularly regarding health and basic facilities.
During her visit, Raj Lali Gill directed jail authorities to ensure that all female inmates are provided with adequate facilities according to jail manuals. She specifically emphasized the need for access to specialist doctors, including gynecologists and dermatologists, as well as counseling services to address their mental and physical well-being.
The Chairperson also reviewed the facilities provided to women inmates and their children living with them in jail. She inspected the food prepared for prisoners and stressed the importance of maintaining quality and hygiene. Jail Superintendent Varun Sharma assured that all necessary measures would be taken to resolve the issues raised and comply with the Commission’s directives.
Speaking to the media after the jail visit, Raj Lali Gill urged youths to exercise caution when seeking employment in call centers or immigration firms. She noted that several women inmates were victims of fraudulent companies that exploited their employees and ultimately left them entangled in legal troubles.
“These young girls often accepted jobs without verifying the company’s credibility or securing proper documentation like appointment letters. This lack of due diligence resulted in their exploitation and incarceration, ” Gill said.
She advised aspiring job seekers to thoroughly investigate company profiles before accepting employment offers to avoid falling prey to scams.
The Chairperson was accompanied by the Commission’s Deputy Director Sumandeep Kaur and Superintendent Mohan Kumar during her visit. Additional Jail Superintendent Arpanjot Singh, DSP Baljinder Singh Chatha and Gurjeet Singh Brar, Jail Medical Officer Sikander Singh, District Child Protection Officer Shaina Kapoor, and Child Protection Officer Roopwant Kaur were also present.