In a substantial move to address the exploitation of women and girls from Punjab in foreign lands, the government has declared its objective to formulate a special policy focused on ensuring their safety and well-being. The policy will encompass various measures aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and combating the alarming cases of exploitation they face.
Prior to finalizing the policy, the government has taken a proactive step by seeking the opinions of the affected women themselves. By understanding the challenges and difficulties they encounter while traveling abroad, the government aims to gather crucial insights that will inform the drafting of a comprehensive policy. To facilitate this process, a meeting has been scheduled for June 11 at the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Jalandhar, where Women and Development Minister Dr. Baljeet Kaur will be in attendance, personally engaging with the participants.
The government's invitation extends to women from Punjab who have aspirations of going abroad, those who have already settled in foreign countries, and even those who have returned after facing exploitation. This inclusive approach reflects the government's serious commitment to protecting the rights of its women. Disturbingly, it has come to light that certain unscrupulous agents are deceiving women from the state through false promises and illegal means to send them to various foreign destinations. The Punjab government must counteract this situation, hence their endeavors to establish a state-level policy that will serve as a robust protective framework.
The exploitation of women is not limited to a certain region or nation. Regrettable incidents have been confirmed not only in Arab nations but also in countries like America, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Worrisome reports have emerged from Middle Eastern countries such as Kuwait, Dubai, and Oman, where vulnerable women keep falling victim to exploitative practices. Additionally, there have been examples where NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) manipulate and ruin the lives of young girls under the pretext of marriage, resulting in immense hardship for both the victims and their families. Educated women, who should have bright futures, find themselves trapped in agonizing circumstances. In response, the government has extended an open invitation to women who have been deceived by NRI individuals, agents, or relatives, urging them to join the discussion and share their experiences.
The state government had previously formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address the illegal transportation of women to Central Asian countries, enticing them with job prospects and attractive salaries. Led by IPS officer Randhir Kumar, the SIT has been vested with the responsibility of investigating all cases related to human trafficking originating from the state. To ensure a smooth and efficient process, IG Kaustubh Sharma, from the Ludhiana range, has been appointed as the nodal officer, overseeing the seamless registration of FIRs across Punjab in such cases.
By taking these comprehensive steps, the Punjab government demonstrates its commitment to combatting the exploitation of women abroad and protecting their rights. The forthcoming policy, shaped by the voices and experiences of affected women, will serve as a crucial tool to address the challenges faced by Punjab's women and promote their empowerment in the global context.
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