Jail inmates’ kids not getting basic facilities: Punjab Women Commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill

Chandigarh, July 19

Punjab Women Commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill is on a mission to reform women’s jails in order to make these liveable for the inmates and the infants living with them.

She said the commission was also working towards the welfare of elderly women, especially those who were abandoned by their families in an attempt to usurp their properties. With the help of the police and civil administration, the commission ensures that these women are sent back to their homes.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Gill, who is visiting jails, said the condition of children of the inmates was pitiable. “I have visited two jails, in Amritsar and Ropar, and I found that the children do not get basic amenities like diapers and snacks. I was accompanied by officials of the child commission and we have issued strict instructions to officials concerned to ensure these facilities for inmates. I have also asked the authorities to consider allowing one-year parole to inmates who are about to deliver a baby,” she said.

The chairperson said there were good facilities for vocational training, but they were not of much help. Gill said she was appalled to know about the long trials that these women had to face, which last for as long as eight years. “I have asked the authorities to fast-track their trials,” she said.

Gill said the commission was getting maximum cases of domestic violence, followed by cases of women who were in live-in relationships and were abandoned by partners, or of spouses of men who go for live-in relationships.