-Meets with 32 girls previously employed in call centers, hears grievances of other female inmates
Nabha, October 1:
Today, Raj Lali Gill, Chairperson of the Punjab State Women’s Commission, visited the new district jail in Nabha, where she met with 32 women inmates who had previously worked in immigration and call centers. During her visit, she also listened to the concerns of other female inmates.
Chairperson Raj Lali Gill reviewed the number of women incarcerated and the conditions of children living with their mothers in the jail. She assessed the challenges faced by the inmates and examined the facilities provided to them according to the jail manual. She directed the jail administration to ensure all women prisoners receive appropriate facilities as per the guidelines, emphasizing that no woman should endure undue hardship.
Speaking informally with the media, Raj Lali Gill highlighted that these 32 girls had previously been held in Ropar Jail but were transferred to Nabha Jail. “These women seem to have been unwittingly trapped by the promise of jobs and salaries,” she said, adding that the Commission will extend its support to these girls in whatever way possible.
The Chairperson Raj Lali Gill elaborated that the girls hail from various states, including Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Assam, Maharashtra, Manipur, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. They had been employed by call centers and immigration firms, which were later found to be fraudulent during police raids, resulting in their arrests. She pointed out that many of these girls had not received appointment letters or job cards, which contributed to their entrapment.
Raj Lali Gill further noted that out of around 150 individuals arrested in connection with the fraudulent operations, 13 of the 32 girls have already been granted bail, and 6 have been released. She emphasized that while some women are awaiting their release, there are a few whose families are unable to secure bail. In these cases, the Commission is exploring alternatives to facilitate their release.
The Chairperson urged young girls and boys seeking employment in call centers or immigration firms to thoroughly vet the companies before accepting job offers to avoid falling victim to fraud. She advised, “When taking a job, don’t just focus on the salary. Ensure you verify the company’s profile and secure proper documentation, such as an appointment letter.”
Chairperson Raj Lali Gill was welcomed at the jail by SDM Nabha Dr. Ismat Vijay Singh, Superintendent Jail Gurmukh Singh, DSP Nabha Mandeep Kaur, Deputy Superintendent Jail Harpreet Singh, and Puneet Garg. Accompanying her were Women’s Commission Deputy Director Sumandeep Kaur and Superintendent Mohan Kumar.
