National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Tuesday directed Punjab Police officials to ensure timely redressal of women’s complaints and submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) within stipulated deadlines, including within three days in certain cases.
During review meetings with district administration and police officials of Ropar and Mohali districts in Ropar, the NCW chairperson flagged 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, improved inter-agency coordination, and timely legal intervention to support affected women.
She said that women seeking justice deserve empathy and prompt action.
Chairing a Mahila Jan Sunwai at Government College, Ropar, under the NCW’s Rashtriya Mahila Aapke Dwar initiative, Rahatkar expressed concern over instances where FIRs had not been registered and ordered immediate action. Nearly 40 cases from Ropar and Mohali districts, along with several walk-in complaints, were heard in the presence of DCs, Senior Superintendents of Police, investigating officers, and other officials from the two districts.
Emphasising a victim-centric approach, the NCW Chairperson said women approaching the police are often in distress and deserve a more sensitive and empathetic response. She said Punjab Police could further strengthen its handling of women complainants.
In matters involving domestic disputes, she recommended mediation and counselling as suitable mechanisms for resolution.
Highlighting the significance of the Rashtriya Mahila Aapke Dwar initiative, Rahatkar said the programme has brought grievance redressal mechanisms closer to women across the country, with Jan Sunwais (public hearings) already conducted in hundreds of districts to ensure direct access to justice and institutional support.
During her visit to the District Jail in Ropar, 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 prisoners, assessed skill development initiatives, and discussed healthcare provisions with doctors on duty.
Addressing officials at a workshop on the implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, Rahatkar called for greater institutional accountability and transparency. She urged regular internal audits, timely reporting, annual self-assessments, and strict action against repeated violations.
“When a woman approaches an institution seeking help, she brings with her trust in the system. It is the responsibility of every authority to honour that trust through prompt and fair action,” she said.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to women’s welfare, Rahatkar said the NCW would continue strengthening institutional mechanisms to ensure the safety, dignity and empowerment of women across the country.
