Says opportunities, participation and leaderships to be ensured for women for their holistic development and progress
Also holds meeting with Deputy Commissioner, SSP to take stock of women oriented schemes and programs
Hoshiarpur/August 19/Daljeet Ajnoha : The National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar today visited local Central Jail to meet and interact with women inmates besides holding meeting with officials of District Administration to take stock of the ongoing programs for women development in the district.
The Chairpersons also focused on women’s safety, legal rights, rehabilitation, economic empowerment and welfare of vulnerable groups.
While visiting the Central Jail, the National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar held discussions with the women inmates underlining the need to start a new life in main stream after completing their sentence as per law.
Accompanied by Jail Superintendent Harcharan Singh Gill, Additional Superintendent Harbans Singh, Deputy Superintendent Asha Rani and other, the Chairpersons pointed out that they should focus on their future including progress of their children in the society by adopting self-run ventures. She said that the government was always extending requisite assistance to women under various developments and welfare initiatives so as to enable them to earn their livelihood. The Chairperson also categorically apprised the inmates lodged under NDPS act to shun this anti-social practice as it is not only harmful for the younger generations but also spoiling their future too. She also asked the inmates about any issue in the jail and expressed immense satisfaction that the inmates lauded the facilities being extended to them in terms of accommodation, food and healthcare services. The
Chairpersons also reviewed the facilities and welfare measures available to inmates. She emphasised the need to ensure access to free legal aid and strengthen rehabilitation and skill-development initiatives to help inmates become self-reliant and reintegrate into society with dignity after completion of their sentences. She also inspected the facilities available for infants and toddlers residing in the Jail with their mothers and reviewed arrangements for their care, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson also held detailed discussions with the official of district administration under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain and SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik at District Administrative Complex. The Deputy Commissioner apprised the commission about the women participation of women in MGNREGA in which the district recorded 67% women participation in 2025-26. She also briefed about the National Rural Livelihood Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Stand-up India (women entrepreneurs), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PM Matru Vandan Yojana, performance of One Stop Center (SAKHI), POSH Act. The Chairperson expressed commended the performance of the district in different women oriented schemes and programs in the district.
The meeting also focused on implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, including compliance with statutory requirements, functioning of Internal Committees and awareness of workplace mechanisms. The Chairperson called for effective monitoring and time-bound action to ensure that legal safeguards translate into meaningful protection for women.
Speaking with the Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain and SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik, the Chairpersons underlined the need to further intensify the efforts for ensuring more opportunities, participation and leadership for women. She said it is matter of pride that Hoshiarpur has a woman mayor and women officers at senior positions in both civil and police administration representing the women empowerment. She also pointed out that the protection must be ensured in the cases of exploitation and crime against women as well as safeguarding the women rights in the right earnest. SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik informed the Commission that the District Police had already set up a dedicated women help desk where the issues of women could be registered and reported besides the initiation of Mahila Mittar, who frequently visiting the schools, colleges and working places to motivate the women about their rights. He also said that in POCSO and acid attack cases prompt action is ensured within minimal time.
The Chairperson instructed the officials to start audit of all schemes pertaining to women, digital monitoring of women oriented schemes and welfare initiatives, safeguarding women from crime and exploitation in the society vis-à-vis efficacious implementation of women welfare endeavours.
An awareness workshop with more than 50 women associated with Self Help Groups was also held, women showcased their products and livelihood initiatives. Appreciating their efforts towards economic self-reliance, Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar highlighted the importance of strengthening women-led enterprises through skill development, market access, financial inclusion and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Mayor Parveen Saini, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Rakesh Kumar Meena, SP Navneet Kaur and District Program Officer Gagandeep Singh.
CAPTION: National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar visiting the Central Jail, Hoshiarpur on Wednesday.
National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar interacting with the district administrative officials at DAC, Hoshiarpur on Wednesday.
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