AMRITSAR: Punjab State Women's Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill today visited Amritsar Jail and met the women prisoners lodged there and inquired about their problems. On this occasion, she said that the jail authorities are providing basic facilities to women — like food and drink, health services and legal aid — but if the women prisoners have any complaints in this regard, they can coordinate with the Women's Commission now or in the future.
She said that most of the women are lodged in cases under the NDPS Act (Drugs Act) and some under Section 420 or domestic violence. She said that the NDPS The Act is quite strict, so it is difficult to get bail, but the jail authorities are also providing legal aid to the needy women prisoners so that the cases can be heard quickly.
She also said that some prisoners have skin diseases, for which treatment is being provided by doctors. Gill said that gynecologists come twice a week for pregnant women and if there is a delivery case, the female prisoner is sent to an outside hospital.
She said that special arrangements have also been made for the care of newborn babies. Gill said that he also got a chance to talk to foreign women prisoners, who were facing difficulty in contacting their embassy, he asked the jail authorities to take necessary steps in this regard.
Expressing concern over the condition of elderly women above 85 years, he said that the police should also keep in mind the humanitarian aspect during the investigation.
Raj Lali Gill said that the Punjab government’s campaign against drugs is going on at a fast pace and the law is the same for everyone — be it a local or a foreigner. He said that women are often trapped because of their husbands or family members, but legally action is taken only on the basis of the results of the investigation. Gill also gave her personal phone number to the female prisoners, so that any woman in the jail can contact her directly.